Miguel Rojas exited Wednesday’s victory over the San Diego Padres with what the Los Angeles Dodgers initially called groin tightness.
It was revealed to be an adductor tear on Thursday that will require surgery in the offseason. But Rojas received a cortisone injection for the time being and plans to try and play in the postseason.
“He got the MRI, and it showed some type of strain or tear in the adductor,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Got a shot. It’s something that he’s had all year as far as symptomatically dealing with, so he’ll take a couple days off and we’ll see where he’s at on Sunday. He’s determined to make sure he’s ready for the postseason.”
Rojas has been the Dodgers’ starting shortstop since the middle of June, when Mookie Betts suffered a left hand fracture. Rojas continued to play on a regular basis while the Dodgers looked to provide him with opportunities to rest.
Now, the 35-year-old faces a difficult path forward as he tries to play through a notoriously tricky injury.
The Dodgers are going to need Rojas in the lineup if they want to be at their best in the postseason. The injury certainly adds a complication, as there is no telling exactly what level he’ll be able to perform at once back on the field.
If Rojas does not appear in the Dodgers’ final series of the regular season, he presumably would log at-bats during simulated game settings when the team prepares for the start of the National League Division Series.
Miguel Rojas not missing playoffs
Independent of the long list of injuries the Dodgers have taken on this season, Rojas has his own personal drive to be available for the team in October.
“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,” Rojas began.
“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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