With several stars on the injured list, the Los Angeles Dodgers needed someone to step and deliver run-producing at-bats or get a rally started. The man who emerged was an unlikely suspect and has now become the best hitter in the lineup since the All-Star break.
Over the past month, Gavin Lux has been the Dodgers’ best hitter and entered Sunday’s series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates batting .364 (28-for-77) with seven doubles, four home runs, and 18 RBIs in 26 games. He was even named the National League Player of the Week on July 22.
Lux pulled through again on Saturday lining a run-scoring double to center field and a two-run single to right off of National League Rookie of the Year candidate Paul Skenes. Lux adjusted in the box because Skenes had his number when the two teams met in Pittsburgh earlier this season.
The NL’s All-Star Game starter struck the second baseman out twice then.
“Just in a better frame of mind,” Lux said of the difference in him since that June series in Pittsburgh. “I think just having more at-bats – when did we face him? June? – yeah, just having more at-bats and building confidence. Second time you see a guy hopefully you see him better than the first time and also he made some really good pitches that first time we played him and I didn’t get much to hit.
“I think just a better frame of mind, more confidence and more at-bats.”
The bottom third of the Dodgers lineup has been a concern for most of this season. Even Lux was underperforming early on, slashing .245/.305/.362, manager Dave Roberts stuck with him. He gave him a longer runway than anticipated and that belief is paying off.
Lux has been playing like a man fighting for his job. With Mookie Betts returning as soon as Monday, Lux didn’t want to lose his starting gig at second base. His incredible performance ensured his job and Betts will be returning to right field instead of either middle infield position.
Lux’s hot streak couldn’t have come at a better time as the Dodgers have seen their double-digit lead in the NL West shrink way down.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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