Miguel Rojas has been a bit of an unsung hero for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, especially since Mookie Betts suffered his fractured left hand back in June.
Rojas was in the midst of his best offensive year since 2021 with a .271 average, .722 on-base plus slugging percentage and 105 wRC+ in 192 at-bats.
In addition to his positive offensive contributions, he brings elite defense, veteran leadership, and a willingness to make the team better regardless of his role. The best example of this was early on in the season when Rojas assisted Betts in his transition to shortstop.
Rojas has been inactive for the Dodgers the past two weeks as he was placed on the injured list retroactive to July 22 with a right forearm strain. Nick Ahmed was brought in to take his place in the meantime, and the team also added some additional help before the trade deadline in the form of Amed Rosario and Tommy Edman.
Rojas’ injury never figured to be too serious, and fortunately it has stayed that way as he is now ready to return and awaits Dodgers’ decision to activate him, according to David Vassegh of AM570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Miguel Rojas told me “I’m ready to go.” 👍#Dodgers decision when they activate him.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 5, 2024
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts later added that Rojas will be activated in the next few days, according to Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
Shortstop Miguel Rojas (forearm) and newly acquired utility man Tommy Edman (wrist) hit on the field on Monday with Rojas likely to be activated in the coming days.
Roberts also suggested Rojas would not need a rehab assignment before returning to the Dodgers, but he’s joining Single-A Rancho Cucamonga for game Tuesday night.
Ahmed has continued to be the everyday shortstop in Rojas’ absence even with the additions of Edman and Rosario. Edman is continuing his rehab in the Minors, and the Dodgers acquired Rosario to be a platoon bat against left-handed pitchers.
Ahmed’s long-term future with the Dodgers figures to be uncertain at best as the two sides did not discuss the topic much during negotiations, but in all likelihood he will be a victim of roster crunch when the time comes for Rojas to return to the Majors, unless they decide to option James Outman first.
Can Miguel Rojas and Amed Rosario coexist on Dodgers?
If Betts resumes his shortstop duties upon his return, both Rojas and Rosario will be on the bench backing him up. In that scenario, playing time could become scarce between the two of them as they are both similar players.
Both have effective against right-handers this season, but are more effective against left-handers. Rojas has moved to second base and third base when needed this season, which are also the positions that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is comfortable playing Rosario at.
Rojas has been more well rounded this season, but Rosario has been the better bat. The key to getting both in the lineup if the team wishes to is in the outfield where Rosario made 18 starts for the Tampa Bay Rays this season.
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