Dodgers’ Lux tears ACL, to miss season
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, hopeful the former top prospect could fulfill his potential at his natural defensive position.
Instead, an MRI on Monday night confirmed not only Lux’s worst nightmares, but also those of the team.
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 34-year-old when they acquired him from the Miami Marlins last month.
Injury will sideline Glasnow 6-8 weeks
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow is expected to miss six to eight weeks because of a left oblique strain.
The 29-year-old righthander was hurt while throwing batting practice on Monday. He rejoined the Rays rotation last September after missing nearly 14 months because of Tommy John surgery.
Tampa Bay said Tuesday that an MRI detected a grade 2 strain.
Padres’ Musgrove out after breaking big toe
San Diego All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove will be sidelined for at least two weeks after breaking his left big toe in a weight room accident, putting in question whether he will be ready for the start of the season.
Musgrove was hurt Monday, manager Bob Melvin said.
Once Musgrove is cleared to throw, he will have to build up arm strength and endurance.
Cubs’ Suzuki to miss WBC, maybe opener
An oblique injury will keep Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki out of the World Baseball Classic. It also jeopardizes his status for opening day with the Chicago Cubs.
Cubs manager David Ross said Tuesday that the Suzuki suffered a “moderate” strain to his left oblique while swinging during batting practice over the weekend.
Ross said there’s still hope that the 28-year-old Suzuki can be ready for the Cubs’ regular season opener against the Brewers on March 30. But he also said the team wouldn’t rush his return.