The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the postseason with a roster heavily impacted by injuries, particularly affecting their pitching staff, and Miguel Rojas was among those still on the team but not fully healthy.
Rojas played through what was initially believed to be a torn left adductor muscle for most of the second half of the season. He aggravated this injury on September 26, causing him to sit out during the team’s final regular-season series. During the bye week before the National League Division Series, Rojas focused on treatment and was active for Games 1, 2, and 3. Unfortunately, he faced more issues that resulted in his exit from Game 3 and he did not participate for the rest of the NLDS. As reported by Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times, Rojas’ condition has now been classified as a sports hernia, though he remains optimistic about being able to play if the Dodgers advance to the World Series.
Miguel Rojas has been diagnosed with a sports hernia that will need surgery once the season ends. Although he has been taken off the roster for the National League Championship Series, the shortstop still holds out hope of playing in the World Series if the Dodgers progress.
Rojas had previously indicated that he would need surgery for his injury during the offseason, and for now, it was about managing it as the Dodgers continued their October run. Due to his physical limitations, the Dodgers opted to exclude Rojas from their postseason roster for the NL Championship Series. “It was obviously a tough decision,” said Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations. “We’re a better team with Miguel Rojas involved. He contributes significantly in various ways. “However, because of the risk of re-aggravating his injury—especially when diving in defense—and with his range being compromised, it was crucial to focus on getting him healthy.
We hope to win four games and have him ready for the next round. “It was one of those situations where we felt that playing him could further delay his recovery, leaving him unhelpful this round and unavailable later on. “It wasn’t an easy choice. It’s unfortunate, but we’ve often seen a next-man-up mentality this year. We witnessed it in the last round as well, with many players stepping up and raising their game during challenging times.”
How the Dodgers replaced Miguel Rojas for the NLCS:
Kevin Kiermaier was brought onto the Dodgers’ playoff roster to fill Rojas’ spot, while Tommy Edman has assumed the starting shortstop role.
This change has allowed Kiké Hernández to be a regular in the Dodgers lineup, and he has responded by delivering impressive performances throughout October.
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