August 10th, 2019 at 11:00 am 
by 0799291000348 Is there a Dodgers fan out there who isn’t aware that middle infielder Gavin Lux is the team’s best position prospect – by far?
I didn’t think so.
Less than one month ago (July 19), Baseball America ranked Lux as the sixth-best position prospect in all of MLB, behind only:
- Tampa Bay Rays 18-year-old shortstop Wander Franco
- Los Angeles Angels (Anaheim) 20-year-old outfielder Joe Adell
- Chicago White Sox 21-year-old outfielder Luis Robert
- Baltimore Oriole 21-year old catcher Adley Rutschman
- Toronto Blue Jays 21-year-old shortstop Bo Bichette
If Baseball America were to update its Top-100 today, Lux would arguably be the number one position prospect, although a good case could be made for Bichette, who has a 1.290 OPS in his 53 MLB plate appearances.
Slashing a combined .316 / .384 / .514 / .898 for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers in 2018 and 2019 (92 games), the Dodgers promoted Lux Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 27th to challenge him with more advanced competition. To date, in the 32 games played for OKC, he has figuratively destroyed Pacific Coast League pitching, slashing: .456 / .535 / .846 / 1.380.
(Photo credit – Bryan Terry)
For a little perspective, consider that Corey Seager’s PCL OPS was .783; Alex Verdugo .842; Joc Pederson .968; and Cody Bellinger 1.180 before being promoted to the Dodgers. And Astros 2019 rookie sensation Yordan Alvarez* 2019 PCL slugging percentage is 110 points lower than Lux, and his OPS 210 points lower.
So, what’s the hold-up in promoting Lux? A spot on the 40-man roster can be created by designating Jaime Schultz or Tyler White for assignment. When Rich Hill and Jedd Gyorko are ready to return from the 60-day IL, the Dodgers could move Keibert Ruiz to the 60-day IL.
The Dodgers only dilemma is where to play Lux. They are not going to call him up just to sit him on the bench. Although listed as a shortstop, Lux’s minor league fielding average at the position is only .937, with the bulk of his 72 errors coming from errant throws. His best defensive position is second base, with 10 errors and a .969 minor league FPCT. Considering the Dodgers proclivity toward resting players during the season, in particular, the dog days of summer, there should be ample opportunity to start Lux four to five times each week for the remainder of the regular season, primarily at second base, with an occasional game at shortstop.
What about 2019 postseason? That will be in control of Lux. If he performs as he has this season for Tulsa and OKC, then the Dodgers will find a spot for him on the roster.
Regardless, the time is NOW – the Dodgers need the LUX-ury of Gavin on their active roster.
* Yordan Alvarez was a Dodgers prospect until August 1, 2016, when he was traded to the Houston Astros for relief pitcher Josh Fields.
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I think if they move Ruiz to the 60-Day IL it starts his device time clock. I would move Alvarez to the 60-day IL or put him on a restricted list.
Correct. And Alvarez to the 60 day IL is a much better idea than Ruiz. I don’t think Alvarez has done anything that would justify the restricted list.
The only thing that surprises me about Lux at this point is that HE’S STILL DOWN AT AAA!!! Any other ballclub he’d be on the 25-man roster already. And I still don’t like Joc Pederson batting lead-off, never did. Lux would’ve put that issue to rest just like Will Smith finally solved their championship-caliber backstop problem recently. Like I said before on here, 2019 belongs to the homegrown kids!
😉
Second base wouldn’t be bad, but I do like Muncy at second base for right now. Can I see giving him time in the bigs, yes, he should be up. And I think if Gavin was on mostly any other team he would, but I think right now middle of the field is covered by Muncy/Seager and we I’ll be having Taylor and Keke coming back. So unless one of them isn’t on the team I don’t see Gavin coming up until September. Even though it would be a good thing, they don’t want Gavin to come up and hit home runs and get rbis, just to be sent down when these other guys come back. Aka Will (the fresh prince) Smith.
Bringing Lux up seems an easy call, if it wasn’t these Dodgers. The excitement Lux is drawing is heady. After reading more and letting the excitment settle i get waiting. It would be so cool and hollywood to bring Lux up now to supercharge this team. This team isn’t really needing Lux. (Sorry), Luxury we just do not need now. Yes him coming up would be cool. Just not necessary. Next year for Lux. Him leading off and helping us to our fourth WS. For years Lux could be leading off. Way out in front of reality. Dang this is fun.
Why?