Dodgers: What does latest roster move mean for Gavin Lux’s future?

Mookie Betts returned on Thursday ahead of the series finale against the San Diego Padres, and that meant somebody had to be sent down to Triple-A.

What made things even more complicated was the fact the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ bullpen was taxed after a 16-inning marathon on Wednesday night. So they needed another reliever … which required two players to get the demotion.

So when the Dodgers activated Betts and recalled pitcher Darien Nuñez, both Gavin Lux and Matt Beaty were delivered the bad news.

Though some might’ve expected it in some capacity, Lux heading back to Oklahoma City is still somewhat of a surprise … and the roster move does have us questioning what’s next for the former No. 1 overall prospect in baseball.

What’s next for Gavin Lux after the Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A?

The fact of the matter is that if Lux was performing at a higher level before his untimely hamstring injury right after the All-Star break, then Trea Turner probably isn’t acquired at the trade deadline and we’re not questioning Lux’s fit.

Now, with Turner under contract through 2022, the team’s likely desire to re-sign Seager, and Lux’s underwhelming 85 games on offense and defense, the narrative has become even more troubling for the 23-year-old.

Will he even return this year? When rosters expand on Sept. 1, don’t you think the Dodgers might want to use those spots on pitchers to help the ailing staff? And don’t forget, Clayton Kershaw is hopefully coming back at some point.

With Turner, Seager, Betts, Max Muncy and Chris Taylor possessing the ability to play the middle infield, is there really a need for Lux for the remaining month? And if Seager and Taylor return on new contracts in 2022, is there really a need for Lux … again?

Many fans figured he was going to be dealt at the trade deadline, especially when the blockbuster news started to seep into our Twitter feeds. In the end, Lux remained in LA, but that didn’t stop the speculation surrounding his future with the organization.

Things move fast in LA. The Dodgers are a winning organization, and the front office is fully embracing the stakes with the opportunity to repeat as World Series champions. They added Scherzer to a depleted rotation. They added Turner as a luxury, since he can play multiple positions. They aren’t missing a beat despite many circumstances suggesting they would.

Unfortunately, Lux now seems to be on the outside looking in, and it appears as if his fate may be decided on the Dodgers’ ability to keep some key guys around come November.

Dodgers: Max Scherzer owning Padres adds insult to injury over trade deadline

Max Scherzer and the Los Angeles Dodgers officially buried the San Diego Padres on Thursday with a series sweep. How about that trade deadline?