Miguel Rojas’ status is a concern for the Dodgers heading into a potential series-clinching Game 4, but the veteran infielder remains hopeful he can play.
Rojas exited Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning after aggravating his lower back and hip area. The Dodgers currently lead the National League Division Series 2-1, putting them one win away from the NL Championship Series.
Rojas initially appeared to hurt himself on a defensive play in the fifth inning before remaining in the game. He was later removed in the middle of an at-bat after taking a swing, with Tommy Edman replacing him. The Dodgers’ official injury report lists Rojas as day to day and says he is unlikely to play Wednesday.
Rojas provided a more optimistic assessment after the game, saying he hoped to be available when the Dodgers need him Wednesday. The comments were reported through the SportsNet LA video posted on X.
“I knew batting in the eighth right there, it was going to be against a lefty. I felt like I was the right guy to take that at-bat. I went to the plate without telling anything to the coaches. Unfortunately, when I took the swing, kinda tweaked it a little more. I’m looking forward to be ready to go tomorrow when they need me and obviously try to end this one,” Rojas said, via SportsNet LA.
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Rojas has served as a versatile infield option for Los Angeles this season, appearing at second base, shortstop and third base. He finished the regular season with 60 hits, four home runs and 23 RBIs while batting .267 with a .312 on-base percentage and .703 OPS in 105 games.
His value against left-handed pitching also made his presence relevant in Game 3. Rojas posted an .809 OPS against left-handers during the regular season, according to StatMuse, although his overall offensive role remained secondary to the Dodgers’ star-heavy lineup.
The Dodgers enter Wednesday’s Game 4 with a chance to close out the series after Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered seven innings of one-run ball with 10 strikeouts in Game 3. Atlanta, meanwhile, must win to force a decisive Game 5.
Los Angeles finished the regular season 100-62 and won the NL West, while Atlanta went 94-68 to claim the NL East. Rojas’ availability will be one of the Dodgers’ decisions to watch as they try to finish the series in Atlanta.
