While the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League West for an 11th time in the past 12 seasons behind back-to-back wins against the San Diego Padres, it proved to be a somewhat costly series on the injury front for Miguel Rojas and Freddie Freeman.
Rojas was removed from Wednesday’s game due to what the Dodgers initially deemed left groin tightness. In the series finale, Freeman suffered a sprained right ankle.
Both players are expected to be in the Dodgers lineup for Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Saturday, Oct. 5. The Dodgers also originally were planning on Rojas playing in the final game of the regular season this Sunday.
However, manager Dave Roberts said that is no longer the case as Rojas did not travel with the team to Colorado and instead is focused on preparing for the start of the playoffs and receiving treatment for his left adductor injury, via SportsNet LA:
“He is, he is. He played a little assistant manager [Thursday], which was fun kind of seeing him by Bob (Geren). He was in good spirits and the training staff is pretty optimistic he’ll be ready. Not this series, that’s not going to happen. He’s not even traveling with us.
“Monday will be an off day but he’ll get treatment, and Tuesday he’ll start doing some things. So with the bye week, I think he’ll be ready to go (for postseason).”
Rojas’ resurgent season comes to a close at 103 games played (86 starts). He hit .283/.337/.410 with 21 doubles, six home runs and 36 RBI while becoming the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop since June.
Although Rojas was pressed into starting duty after Mookie Betts suffered a fractured left hand, the Dodgers still prioritized providing the veteran with sufficient off days in effort to keep him healthy.
That largely was a success, although Rojas has played through the adductor injury for multiple weeks, spent time on the 10-day injured list in July because of a right forearm strain and in August dealt with a mild left hamstring issue.
Miguel Rojas ‘determined’ for postseason
After addressing the Dodgers clubhouse before players began celebrating the NL West title, Rojas conveyed there would not be any circumstance that prevented him from being available for the playoffs.
“It’s not a secret. To play shortstop at this time is really hard to stay healthy and stay on the field, but I’m doing everything that I can,” he said.
“I just know one way to play the game, and it’s all-out every single day. I’ve been told by my coaches not to try to steal bases and not to run every ground ball out, because they need me out there. But that’s what I do.
“I try to play the game with passion. That’s what I bring to the table every single day and that’s what Miggy Ro is all about. I’m going to be working hard to get back and be ready for that first game of the playoffs.”
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