For the second straight year, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves trailing 3-1 in their National League Championship Series matchup with the Atlanta Braves. But this time, the frustrations are clearly playing out on the field for Los Angeles.
While the Braves have yet to commit an error in the series (and have just one error all postseason), defense has been a struggle for the Dodgers — particularly with middle-infielder-turned-outfieler Gavin Lux.
In Game 3, Lux misplayed a fly ball that sparked a four-run inning for Atlanta before the Dodgers’ eventual comeback win. And where Walker Buehler was understanding of Lux’s struggles at a new position, Game 4’s starter Julio Urias essentially called Lux out right there on the field.
Looks like Julio Urías wanted Gavin Lux to make a better effort on this play pic.twitter.com/zQqE5Bm3Zc
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 21, 2021
With runners on first and third in the third inning, pearl enthusiast Joc Pederson softly hit a fly ball to shallow center field. But instead of laying out for a diving attempt, Lux let up and fielded the ball on a bounce. Urias turned towards center field and raised his arms in disbelief, staring down his center fielder.
Urias clearly wanted Lux to dive. He let everyone see how he felt about Lux’s effort.
And sure, Lux probably should have made a better attempt, but it’s not a great look on Urias’ part to make it seem like Lux was letting the team down. Lux wasn’t the one who gave up three home runs prior to that hit.
That was basically how Wednesday’s game went for Los Angeles because even Gold Glove winner Mookie Betts had a rough time out there in center field.
you know the dodgers have a center field problem if even mookie betts is making errors out there pic.twitter.com/okYHBNlpOY
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 21, 2021
The Braves would go on to win, 9-2.
