Dodgers Scratch Infielder From Starting Lineup Ahead of Mariners Series Finale
The Dodgers scratched Miguel Rojas from their starting lineup Wednesday, hours before they were set to play the Seattle Mariners. No immediate explanation was given by the team.
Rojas, 35, is hitting .283 with a .325 on-base percentage and .404 slugging percentage in 78 games this season. He also has three home runs and 26 RBIs.
Between July and August, Rojas missed 14 games with a forearm injury. The Dodgers signed veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed to fill in in the meantime. Monday, Ahmed was designated for assignment when the Dodgers activated Edman and third baseman Max Muncy from the injured list.
Rojas had been scheduled to bat ninth and play shortstop. Tommy Edman is playing shortstop instead, and Kevin Kiermaier will start in center field and bat ninth.
Logan Gilbert is starting for the Seattle Mariners. Jack Flaherty is starting for the Dodgers, who won the first two games of the series at Dodger Stadium.
Why Did the Dodgers Scratch Miguel Rojas?
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, manager Dave Roberts said Rojas was scratched because a pre-existing left hamstring injury flared up again.
If Rojas can use the next two days to rest and recover, he’ll be able to miss only one game. The Dodgers have an off-day Thursday before hosting the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday at Dodger Stadium.
Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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This is the value of acquiring a player like Edman who can play a legitimate defensive SS as well as multiple outfield roles. Super-utility guys like Kiké Hernandez, Chris Taylor, and (position-less) Miguel Vargas who fill the role on paper, but don’t positively contribute defensively, need to be left off the post-season roster unless they’re hitting like Kiké is currently.
Miguel Vargas would be disappointed if told he is left off the White Sox post-season roster.