Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas is dealing with multiple injuries. In addition to the torn abductor muscle that kept him off the National League Championship Series roster, the Gold Glove-caliber infielder also has a hernia. Rojas told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times that both injuries will require offseason surgery.
The 35-year-old veteran is hopeful that the time off between the Division Series and the World Series will give him enough time to recover so that he can play the final games of the 2024 season should the Dodgers get there.
#Dodgers SS Miguel Rojas said he has a sports hernia that will require surgery after the season. As much as he lobbied to be on NLCS roster he said he understood team’s decision. The injury “is about the same” and he remains hopeful of playing in World Series if Dodgers advance.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) October 16, 2024
Dodgers SS Miguel Rojas Dealing with Multiple Injuries
A Year to Remember
Rojas, who is primarily known for his glove had a banner year at the plate. He hit nearly 50 points higher than his career batting average of .230. More impressively, he hit over .350 with runners in scoring position while becoming the everyday shortstop when Mookie Betts returned to right field.
Limited Mobility
The 2024 Roy Campanella Award winner was able to navigate these injuries with an occasional day off during the regular season. However, the issue of mobility reached critical mass when he failed to get an out because he couldn’t reach second base in time.
Tommy Edman has taken the majority of playing time at shortstop in Rojas’ stead.
The Dodgers’ Ubiquitous Injury Bug
Los Angeles has had an injury-plagued season. Both pitchers and position players have struggled to stay healthy. Freddie Freeman, who has a severely sprained ankle, and Gavin Lux, who is dealing with a hip flexor, remain on the NLCS roster.
A Bright Spot
With Rojas out, and Tommy Edman at shortstop, Kiké Hernandez has a spot in the lineup. The super-utility man lights it up when the calendar flips to October. In 2024 alone, he is batting .333 with an OPS of .968. He has the fourth-highest postseason OPS on the road in the history of baseball behind Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, and Carlos Beltrán.
The Dodgers’ depth is being tested in ways they couldn’t foresee. They only hope that it can carry them to six more wins.
Photo Credit: © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
