Due to the game against Sean Manaea of the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not intend for second baseman Gavin Lux to play on Monday. However, is his availability for Wednesday’s Game 3 in question?
Although Lux won’t be playing defence, manager Dave Roberts stated that he could be used as a pinch hitter off the bench.
The team is hopeful, though, that a day off on Tuesday will enable him to fully recover before Game 3 on Wednesday.
Dave Roberts claimed that Gavin Lux was healthy enough to pinch hit in Game 2, but he didn’t want to be used in a low-leverage at-bat. After Edwin Diaz left the eighth inning without giving up a run, the high-leverage scenario did not arise.
Roberts gave reporters an update on Lux’s condition following the 7-3 defeat.
Roberts stated, “He was not healthy enough to start, to run, to play defence.” “If I believed he had enough leverage to hit, I had him prepared for that DS place in the eighth. I simply felt that I couldn’t risk putting Gavin in even more danger after they scored the additional run in the top half of the ninth. Pages, in my opinion, was the finest choice at that particular time.
If Andy Pages’ slot opens up this inning, Gavin Lux is ready.
Lux was on a sacrifice bunt at the very moment that led to his early departure from Game 1. As he was leaving the box, he sensed something.
Coming out of the box on the bunt, sort of. After the Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 9-0 in Game 1, Lux revealed, “My right hip flexor just sort of tweaked it and didn’t feel great.” However, I desired to continue playing the game. Staying in the game was good with me. I had a little extra time to get it cleaned up because it was a precaution and I had a lefty going tomorrow.
Lux stated prior to the game that he had no hip flexor problems and had no intention of undergoing any tests.
“I suppose it’s just wear and tear. I’ll be alright. Although I wanted to continue playing, I believe that attempting to get a little more recovery was the appropriate thing to do. “I’ll be all right,” he said.
Don’t be shocked if Kiké Hernández returns to second base and Kevin Kiermaier is out in centre field if Lux is unable to play in Game 3.
Kiermaier, who can also get a bunt down when asked, is the most reliable defensive player among Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, and Kiermaier as centre field alternatives.
Before the Dodgers’ NLCS Game 3 against the Mets in New York, manager Dave Roberts gave encouraging injury updates on Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, and Daniel Hudson.
According to Roberts, he anticipates Hudson being available out of the bullpen and both Freeman and Lux being in the starting lineup.
Despite missing some time in the NLDS because of a sore ankle, Freeman has participated in both NLCS games. Lux, however, did not participate in Game 2 of the NLCS after leaving Game 1 due to a strained hip flexor. Although Roberts claimed to be available to pinch-hit, the chance never materialised.
Both Lux and Freeman, whom Roberts anticipates playing every day, are anticipated to return to the starting lineup.
“I can’t imagine a scenario in which he doesn’t start an NLCS game,” Roberts remarked.
Roberts stated that Hudson should be ready the day after missing a Dodgers game. When asked why Hudson wasn’t available on Monday, Roberts was a little evasive, but it’s obvious that he has much better news on Tuesday.
This week, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the Dodgers will play games 3-5 of the NLCS in New York.
