Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas is unavailable to play on Wednesday, October 7th, for Game 4 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves.
Miguel Rojas’s concerning status
According to manager Dave Roberts, Rojas’ back is not feeling “great” a day after leaving the game earlier with a lower back injury.
However, with a possible IL stint that could keep Rojas out of the mix for the NLCS, the Dodgers are hoping to avoid making a decision.
“Not great, back is sore. Lying low, won’t be available today. We have an extended bench, to make any decisions that would compromise his status for a potential next series wouldn’t make sense,” Roberts said.
In the short term, Tommy Edman and Kike Hernandez will step in at any rotational infield spot.
How Rojas got injured
Rojas left the game in the eighth inning during his fourth at-bat. He had a 1-1 count after fouling off a pitch from Atlanta Braves reliever Brent Suter, a lefty, and grimaced after a swing.
The 37-year-old reached for his lower back, and the trainer came out to visit Rojas before the veteran left the game, with Tommy Edman taking over mid-at-bat.
Edman popped out on the first pitch that he saw, while Rojas continued to favor his lower left back in the dugout.
After the game, Rojas told the media he felt tightness in his lower back, which surfaced during a diving stop in the fifth inning.
Now, Rojas is out of the mix for at least a game, though as such a tough player, it is a sign that the back injury is notable.
If things don’t improve, Alex Freeland and Alex Call could take his spot, with Kike Hernandez or Tommy Edman playing a more key infield role.
