Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Those are the players that usually first come to mind when talking about the Los Angeles Dodgers' loaded lineup. However, second baseman Gavin Lux has quietly been one of the Dodgers' best hitters this season.
The 26-year-old Lux is in his first season back after missing all of 2023 while recovering from ACL and LCL surgery. Lux recently broke down what has changed for him and allowed him to become such a great hitter after struggling to begin this season in an article from Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
“I think I finally have some mental peace that my knee is going to be fine and whatever happens, happens, I can’t control it,” Lux said. “If it happens again, I’m going to go down aggressive. That’s just kind of the type of approach I’ve taken with that, too.”
“I go back and look at old videos when I feel good and the gather and the load and the swing looks a little more like if you’re playing in the backyard as opposed to just being safe,” Lux continued. “I think just looking at that, that stood out to me.”
Since July 9, Lux has been on an absolute tear, hitting .385 with a 1.162 OPS along with five doubles and four home runs in 18 games. This is a significant change for a player who many were calling for to get traded after his slow start. The Dodgers absolutely need Lux's production right now as well, with Betts and Freeman out of the lineup.
Gavin Lux's new-look approach
Lux's explanation about safe swings and not trusting his surgically repaired right knee enough is a refreshing bit of honesty. Coming back from an injury of that magnitude is always going to be a challenge. While it may have taken Lux a little longer than Dodgers fans may have preferred, it seems like he's back to 100%.
The Dodgers have been ravished by injuries and other absences, both in their lineup and in their starting rotation. Even though they are still in first place in the NL West, their lead has gotten noticeably smaller. The San Diego Padres are just 4.5 games back, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are not far behind at five back.
In order to keep their spot atop the NL West, Lux is going to need to continue his new-look aggressive approach at the plate and keep contributing at an elite level.
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