The injury of Dodgers’ shortstop Gavin Lux has added a new hurdle for the team to overcome in their 2021 season. With their roster already lacking significant pieces from the offseason talent exodus, Lux’s injury has left a gaping hole in their plans. The team will have to explore different options, from the remaining players available in free agency, to evaluating the trade market, to standing pat and using existing players to provide more infield depth.
One option could be to stick with internal replacements, with Miguel Rojas playing shortstop and Chris Taylor and Mookie Betts rotating in from the outfield. While this option may be the most likely, it leaves the Dodgers without an established backup infielder, and their last position player spot could come down to a prospect with question marks.
The Dodgers could also explore adding a top remaining free-agent bat, such as Jurickson Profar. He could fit into the outfield rotation and provide much needed offense to compensate for the loss of Trea Turner. However, this could prove to be costly, as Profar may still be asking for more than the team is willing to pay.
The Dodgers could also look for another depth piece, such as José Iglesias or Andrelton Simmons, who have struggled offensively in recent seasons but have strong defensive track records. This could help replace Miguel Rojas in a defensive utility role and provide depth in case of other injuries.
Finally, the Dodgers could try to swing a blockbuster trade, though this may make more sense closer to the deadline. The team has plenty of prospect capital, but finding a significant upgrade may not be easy.
The Dodgers will have to find the right solution to fill the void left by Lux’s injury. For now, their Jenga tower is still standing, but it is starting to look shaky. The Dodgers will be spending the rest of the preseason trying to find the right remedy to keep them atop the standings for the 2021 season.
