Dodgers’ Lux tears ACL, to miss 2023
PHOENIX — The Dodgers are in need of a new shortstop. Again.
Gavin Lux has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee that is expected to keep him out for the entire season, manager Dave Roberts announced Tuesday morning.
Lux is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday, which will be performed by head team physician Dr. Neal Elattrache, per a team official. Roberts said that in addition to the torn ACL, Lux had some other “lateral” damage in his knee. His total recovery will likely take eight months.
“Gavin is obviously crushed,” Roberts said. “It’s a huge blow.”
Lux, speaking before Tuesday’s spring training game against the Reds, added: “The hardest part is just not being able to be on the field, for sure.”
The news came a day after Lux sustained his injury, when his knee buckled while he was running the bases in a spring training game against the San Diego Padres.
Lux confirmed he was trying to duck a throw when his cleat got stuck in the dirt.
“Freak thing,” Lux said. “In hindsight, probably should have just took the throw to the nose and worn it.”
The moment Lux tumbled to the ground and clutched at his right leg, it was clear the Dodgers’
infield plans were about to be significantly altered.
After losing last year’s starter, Trea Turner, in free agency and not signing any of the other big names on the market this winter, the Dodgers were planning to have Lux fill the hole this year.
Instead, an MRI on Monday night confirmed not only Lux’s worst nightmares, but also those of the team.
“He’s been working his (expletive) off every day to be ready for the season, to be the everyday shortstop for this team,” infielder Miguel Rojas said. “I just feel bad for him.”
Without Lux, Rojas will likely “take on the brunt” of playing time at shortstop, Roberts said, sliding into a role the team hadn’t originally envisioned for the 34year-old when they acquired him from the Miami Marlins last month.
Bob Melvin said.
“It is tough to forecast when you’re talking about a broken toe. It will be about how it heals and certainly if it is a pain tolerance thing, Joe would be one of those guys who would be sooner than later,” Melvin said Tuesday.
Once Musgrove is cleared to throw, he will have to build up arm strength and endurance.
“He is not starting over, but the longer you go, the more it gets closer to starting over. Joe is a guy who keeps himself in really good shape,” Melvin said.
A 30-year-old righthander, Musgrove went 10-7 with a 2.93 ERA last season and is starting a $100 million, five-year contract.