Gavin Lux will play in left field on Friday

Sometimes, you got to make things work to get certain players in the starting lineup. On Friday, the Dodgers recalled Gavin Lux from Oklahoma City and optioned pitcher Andre Jackson.

For Lux, there’s no room for him with Corey Seager and Trea Turner in the lineup. During his major-league career, Lux has only ever played shortstop and second base (we’re going to forget the third base experiment ever happened).

Well, the Dodgers are certainly being creative in regards to figuring out how to squeeze Lux into the lineup. On Friday, he’ll be making his first career start in left field. With Cody Bellinger having a horrific year at the plate, the Dodgers are trying whatever they can to fit certain bats into the lineup.

“He’s taken balls out there the last few weeks,” Dave Roberts said to the media. “I think the most important thing is that he wants to do whatever he can to help the club and get in the lineup. I know he’s excited and we’re excited.

“Just to get a new look. I want Gavin to take his at bats and it might spark us. Adds a little bit of length to the lineup and we’ll see how it goes.”

Coming up through the minors, Lux only ever played second base and shortstop. During his recent stint in the minors, the Dodgers had him play one game in center field and one game in left field. They must feel pretty confident in his ability out there, as he’ll be starting in left field with one game of experience under his belt.

Lux’s numbers haven’t been great this season, but compared to Bellinger he looks like Hank Aaron. Adding his bat into the lineup at this point is a must as Bellinger continues to struggle.

“We’ll see,” Roberts said on how often we can see Lux in the outfield. “Just having him on the roster gives us more versatility. If it’s starting or coming into a game. Right now I’m going to take it day by day.”

If Lux is able to play above average defense, he very well could find himself with consistent playing time. Well, we’ll see how this one goes.

Other news and notes

• Clayton Kershaw threw today. If he comes out of it feeling fine, he’ll start for LA on Monday. The plan would be for him to go four innings.
• Danny Duffy threw a bullpen session on Friday. Roberts called it a ‘big one’. Plan is for him to continue to progress and hopefully be back in a few weeks.
• The plan moving forward will be for Mookie Betts to hit leadoff and have Trea Turner hit third.
• Cody Bellinger will have a few days off to ‘work through some things’.

Lineup

Game info

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA

Opponent: San Diego Padres

Venue: Dodger Stadium