Reds' lineup adjustment seeks to prove that Dodgers made mistake trading Gavin Lux

Gavin Lux will get a chance to show the Los Angeles Dodgers that they'll rue the day they traded him away. Lux's former squad will descend upon Goodyear Ballpark this afternoon, as the Cincinnati Reds square off against the Dodgers in their fourth game of the Cactus League season.

Lux was in the Reds lineup over the weekend, but played a very familiar position. Lux was Cincinnati's starting second baseman on Saturday in Maryvale, while his counterpart Matt McLain took over the keystone in the Reds' split-squad game against the Cleveland Guardians in Goodyear.

But on Monday, Lux will be in unfamiliar territory. The former Dodgers' infielder will be batting seventh and playing third base. Lux's name has been brandied about this spring as a possible fit at third base, and he'll have a little extra motivation to excel while playing Monday's contest at the hot corner.

Reds' lineup adjustment seeks to prove that Dodgers made mistake with Gavin Lux

Lux was drafted as a shortstop, and that was his primary position throughout his time in the minor leagues. But concerns about his arm strength saw LA move their former top prospect all over the diamond. During his time with the Dodgers, Lux started just one game at third base and logged just six innings, and spent most of last season at second base.

The Reds are attempting to find a regular spot in the lineup for Lux. With McLain and Elly De La Cruz installed up the middle, third base is the most logical spot for Lux to play when Cincinnati is facing a right-handed starter. The team is also considering giving the 27-year-old reps in the outfield as the spring season moves into March.

The Dodgers thought so little of Lux's ability to shortstop that they moved Mookie Betts in from right field. Max Muncy, who's an average fielder at best, is tasked with manning third base for Los Angeles this season.

There are legitimate questions surrounding Lux's arm strength. According to Baseball Savant, he ranked among the seventh percentile in 2024. There are some who believed that his knee injury in 2023 was the biggest culprit for his lack of arm strength, but the advanced metrics in 2022 were just as bad.

If Lux fails to adapt to life at third base, look for the Reds to give him increased time in left field as well as second base. Lux could also act as the Reds DH against right-handed pitching, but there are other players who are better fits for that role.

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