Lux is scheduled to start in left field Tuesday against the Rockies, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
The plan all spring was for Lux to see most of his time on the infield during the first part of the Cactus League -- he's mostly lined up at third base -- before introducing him to the outfield. Lux is batting .238 (5-for-21) with two doubles, four RBI and one steal over nine spring games.
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Reds' Gavin Lux: Moving around infield
Rotowire
Lux started at third base and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Monday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers.
Lux made his second Cactus League appearance for his new team. He started at second base in one of Saturday's split-squad games before moving to the hot corner Monday. Expect to see his name at many positions this spring, and the versatile player may never settle into one home on the diamond.
Reds manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Lux will start at second base in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Guardians, then move to third base for Sunday's exhibition clash against the Brewers, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. Earlier in the day, Francona indicated he wants Matt McLain to be the team's primary second baseman.
There was offseason chatter about McLain moving to center field, which suggested Lux would find a permanent role at second base, but Francona's plans for the start of Cactus League play indicate otherwise. The manager said earlier in camp that Lux will see time at all the infield base positions as well as outfield during spring training. He's expected to serve on the dirt for the first part of the spring schedule before the manager exposes him to the outfield.
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Reds' Gavin Lux: To move around in spring
Rotowire
Lux is expected to see time at first, second and third base as well as the outfield this spring, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
Lux was projected to be the everyday second baseman upon being acquired by the Reds, but manager Terry Francona indicated Tuesday that Lux will be exposed to several positions. Lux moved between shortstop and second base for the Dodgers in 2024.
The Reds and Lux avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.325 million contract Thursday, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Acquired from the Dodgers via trade earlier this week, Lux had been arbitration-eligible for the second time. The 27-year-old slashed .251/.320/.383 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI across 487 plate appearances during the 2024 regular season with the Dodgers and is in line for regular reps against righties with his new team in 2025.
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Reds' Gavin Lux: Acquired by Cincinnati
Rotowire
The Dodgers traded Lux to the Reds on Monday in exchange for Mike Sirota and a Competitive Balance Round A pick, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Lux had garnered trade interest from multiple teams during the offseason including the Yankees and Mariners, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network, and those rumors intensified after the Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim to a three-year contract this past Friday. Lux could start at second base for the Reds if the club chooses to use Matt McLain in center field or other positions, or Lux himself might bounce around to multiple spots. Lux finished the 2024 regular-season with a slash line of .251/.320/.383 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI across 487 plate appearances.
Lux might be out of a starting job next season with the Dodgers planning to move Mookie Betts back to the infield, Noah Camras of DodgersNation.com reports.
The Dodgers have not said whether Betts would play shortstop or second base, but with Miguel Rojas and Tommy Edman available as shortstop options, Betts' likelier destination is probably the keystone. Seemingly, that would push Lux to the bench or perhaps the trade block. Lux had a .562 OPS in the first half of the 2024 season but finished strong in the second half with an .899 OPS. He then struggled in the postseason (.580 OPS) while battling a hip issue. Lux will turn 27 later this month and is under team control through 2026.
