Gavin Lux tears ACL, likely out for 2023 season

PEORIA, Ariz. - Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux suffered a torn ACL while running the bases Monday, and will likely miss the 2023 season, according to multiple reports.

Lux went down in the sixth inning of Monday's Spring Training game against the San Diego Padres. Third baseman Luke Williams hit a ground ball to the left side of the infield when Lux was on second. While running to third base, Lux tried to get out of the way of the throw from the third baseman, when video showed his right knee looked like it gave way.

Lux then stumbled to the ground, grabbing his knee, clearly in pain. The training staff and Dodger manager Dave Roberts were on the baseline next to Lux, before a golf cart had to be called to take him off the field. As Lux was taken to the cart he seemingly couldn't put any weight on his right leg.

After an MRI, Dodger insider reported Tuesday that Lux had torn his ACL, while MLB.com reported that the 25-year-old tore the LCL in his right knee as well.

"It's really tough news he showed up looking good this spring, he put on some muscle, he was ready to take the opportunity and run that he had at shortstop so it's tough news for him, it's tough news for us," Max Muncy told the on-field reporter during Tuesday's Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds. "All we can do is give him our support and do everything we can to lift him up at this moment."

Lux tweeted his thanks for the support as he deals with the news of the injury. "Just wanted to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers, means more than you all know," he said.

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Lux was projected to be the Dodgers' starting shortstop going into the 2023 season, after Trea Turner signed with the reigning National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. Lux appeared in 129 games for the Dodgers in the 2022 season, but just nine at shortstop. Lux would have spent Spring Training transitioning from his former position of second base.

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft, Lux has slashed .253/.329/.712 in 273 games across four seasons. At one point Lux was ranked the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball.

With Lux's absence from the lineup, 34-year-old new signee Miguel Rojas may fill the hole at short.