The Dodgers on Tuesday picked infielder Gavin Lux, though without an actual minor league season, it’s strange to say he was sent to the minors. Players typically have the option to join, such as Triple-A Oklahoma City or Double-A Tulsa, for example. But now, if a player has a choice, he simply disappears into the ether.
On a technical level, this means that Lux will work for the foreseeable future outside of the Dodgers’ alternate training site at USC instead of Dodger Stadium. And it also means Lux won’t be on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.
Lux reported to camp on July 10, missing the first week of practice at Dodger Stadium, leaving him behind, especially in the competition for playing at second base.
Lux did not start in either of the Dodgers’ two exhibition games against the Diamondbacks. a Kiké Hernández started at second base on Sunday, and Chris Taylor started on Monday. Lux appeared in both games as a reserve, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
“There are many things with Gavin’s swing. We’re trying to get more live and simulated at-bats, “manager Dave Roberts said Monday in a conference call. “He is getting there. I thought his last at-bat [Sunday]Although it was a punch, it was good. “
Elephant in the room
It remains to be seen how long Lux will remain at the alternative training site. He has 29 days of service in the Major Leagues to date, and it would take 143 more days to accumulate an entire season. In a shorter season, service time is prorated this year, though I’m not sure if it’s based on the 60-game schedule or the 67-day season. On a prorated basis, Lux would need 51 or 53 days of service time this year to earn the equivalent of those 143 days for a full year, to accumulate a full year of service time. Therefore, you would have to stay with options for 15 to 17 days to prevent that from happening, which could delay your free agency for a year.
I am saying potentially because the collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2021 season, and the rules could change before free agency, or even salary arbitration, is on Lux’s radar. But that’s where we are standing now.
