The Los Angeles Dodgers received some really bad news on Tuesday.
Their starting shortstop, Gavin Lux, will be out of action for the entire season after sustaining a right ACL tear this week.
It happened in spring training play as he was running the bases.
The unfortunate injury is about to change the entire organization’s plans for the infield.
“Dave Roberts said Chris Taylor will start a throwing program to play more SS. Mookie Betts playing more second base this season is also being discussed,” Dodgers reporter David Vassegh tweeted.
Dave Roberts said Chris Taylor will start a throwing program to play more SS. Mookie Betts playing more second base this season is also being discussed. #Dodgers
—David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 28, 2023
The Dodgers acquired Miguel Rojas this offseason and he figures to get some playing time at short.
But he can’t be the only option.
That’s why Taylor, who came through the minor league ranks as a shortstop, is an option.
He is more adept at playing in left field and second base, but has experience all over the diamond.
The last time he had significant playing time at shortstop was in 2021, with 153.2 innings.
It wasn’t much, but it was something.
He is definitely not a defensive star at shortstop, but he can passable out there and give Rojas some rest.
If Taylor enters the shortstop picture, someone will be needed for an occasional start at second.
Vassegh mentions the possibility of Betts playing some keystone this year.
It’s hard to see, since he has become an elite defensive outfielder in right field.
He is good at second base, too: he has played there for 228 frames during his career and still athletic enough to handle the infield.
The team will probably not want to mess with his focus too much, though.
It’s still good to know he is a real possibility to play at second.
NEXT:
Gavin Lux Comments On His Recovery Timetable
