The Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series despite being without several key players. Freddie Freeman missed two games, and Miguel Rojas and Alex Vesia were left off the roster entirely.
For Rojas, his exclusion was due to re-aggravating the torn left adductor muscle that he played through for a good part of the second half. The veteran shortstop experienced trouble in Game 3 of the NL Division Series and has not played since.
Rojas’ injury, which was reclassified as a sports hernia, will require offseason surgery but he is still hoping to play in the World Series.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t sure of his availability.
“I don’t really know a percentage, but I really feel it was the right decision not having him for the CS, given his health,” Roberts said.
“He’s made some strides. I know he’s going to do everything he can to be on the World Series roster, but we still got to be certain he can run, he can defend the way he can defend. So I’m hopeful, but not certain right now.”
Rojas enjoyed a resurgent season for the Dodgers as he hit .283/.337/.410 with 21 doubles, six home runs and 36 RBI in 103 games. He started the year as a utility player but became the everyday shortstop in June when Mookie Betts fractured his left hand.
If Rojas isn’t included on the Dodgers’ World Series roster, Tommy Edman will continue getting starts at shortstop. The 29-year-old tied a Dodgers postseason record with 11 RBI en route to 2024 NLCS MVP honors.
Miguel Rojas: Playing in World Series ‘always been my dream’
Rojas noted that playing in the World Series has been a longtime dream of his, which is why he wants to attempt a comeback instead of resting his injury.
It’s likely the Dodgers won’t make decisions regarding Brusdar Graterol, Rojas and Vesia until needing to officially submit their World Series roster Friday morning.
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