The Los Angeles Dodgers face multiple needs as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 30, and although the priority of potentially addressing shortstop has not necessarily been at the top of the list, that could change in the wake of Miguel Rojas’ injury.
The veteran shortstop went 0-for-1 on Sunday prior to being removed at the start of the fourth inning. Kiké Hernández slid over to shortstop and Cavan Biggio entered the game off the bench to play third base.
Rojas left the game early because of right forearm tightness.
It’s the first time this season the veteran shortstop has dealt with an injury. Rojas was slowed by foot and calf issues during Spring Training last year, and his workload has since been a factor for the Dodgers to monitor.
Rojas recently downplayed any concern and noted his offseason training and workouts are done in preparation for an everyday role. At one point this season the Dodgers were 24-0 when Rojas had a hit, and 16-0 whenever he scored a run.
Rojas was elevated to starting at shortstop when Mookie Betts suffered a fractured left hand in the middle of June. His impressive play this season prompted conversations and debate over whether the Dodgers would consider moving Betts back to second base once he returned.
That possibility stemmed not only from the first half Rojas put together, but Gavin Lux’s ongoing struggles at the plate. However, Lux did put together a string of four consecutive at-bats with an extra-base hit at one point during the weekend series against the Red Sox.
Dodgers shortstop plan: Miguel Rojas injury
Given that Betts does not yet have enough grip strength to begin swinging a bat and thus figures to be multiple weeks away from returning, Hernández and Chris Taylor are likely to take on the role of Dodgers shortstop if Rojas’ injury causes him to miss time.
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