Gavin Lux, Matt Beaty recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City
by Rowan Kavner
Gavin Lux and Matt Beaty are back with the big league club.
The two left-handed hitters were recalled Friday, while pitcher Andre Jackson was optioned and outfielder Billy McKinney was placed on the injured list with a left hip impingement.
Lux is in the starting lineup playing left field for the first time in his Major League career. The middle infielder logged his first professional start in left field Thursday and in center field last Sunday with Triple-A Oklahoma City, hoping to add to his versatility.
“Reports have been good,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He started there last night. He’s taken balls out there the last few weeks in left, in center, in right. I think the most important thing is he wants to do whatever he can to help the ballclub and get in the lineup. He swung the bat well. To get him back here, I know he’s excited, we’re excited and he’s expected to help us win a ballgame tonight.”
Roberts said he hoped Lux’s stint at Triple-A could held him find his mechanics and his confidence. Lux could see time in left field as well as potentially third base and second base. The hope is he can help provide a spark for a scuffling Dodger offense.
“Just having him on the roster gives us a little bit more versatility,” Roberts said. “Whether it’s starting, coming into a game for defense, pinch-hit, whatever.”
Lux slashed .261/.320/.391 with a home run and three doubles over 10 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City in his most recent minor league stint. He is hitting .221/.302/.340 with six home runs in 85 games for the Dodgers this season.
Beaty is hitting .262/.358/.374 with five home runs in 105 games this season. He hit .357/.486/.464 in nine games with Triple-A Oklahoma City in his most recent stint.
Cody Bellinger, who is still looking for his first hit of September, is not in the starting lineup Friday and will also get Saturday off.
“I’m going to give Cody a few days just to kind of work through some things,” Roberts said. “Whether I decide to go Gavin back in there, we’ll see.”
Quick Hit:
- Clayton Kershaw is expected to return from the injured list Monday against the Diamondbacks to make his first start since July 3. He is expected to go four innings.
