Dodgers Get Important Miguel Rojas Injury Update

The Los Angeles Dodgers received an important update on Miguel Rojas, whom they acquired from the Miami Marlins in January. The veteran shortstop has been named their primary replacement for Gavin Lux, who suffered a torn ACL during spring training.

Thankfully, the Dodgers got their wish as Rojas has been impressive in his first major-league spring. His defense will remain his top priority, but Roberts also believes Rojas' bat can improve.

Rojas has a loose bone between his index finger and thumb

After missing a month with a strained hamstring, Dodgers right-handed shortstop Miguel Rojas returned to action Sunday against the Mets. He played third base in the first inning before injuring his thumb on a check swing and leaving the field; catcher Martin Prado took his place and Los Angeles ultimately fell 5-2 against New York.

Rojas' injury is one that must be monitored closely, as he has a loose bone between his index finger and thumb. This has affected his swing over the past two seasons, leading to an inconsistent offensive performance.

This winter, Rojas underwent two separate procedures: a ligament repair in his wrist and bone removal between his index finger and thumb. He has now been cleared to resume hitting this week and will begin practicing at Camelback Ranch in Arizona starting Monday.

Rojas is so certain of his recovery that he hopes to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic this year. He was placed on the preliminary roster and will be considered for selection based on how well he continues with his rehab process.

He was able to field grounders and throw across the infield on Monday, suggesting he is close to full strength for spring training. The 33-year-old hasn't taken any regular at-bats since being traded by the Marlins in January but appears close to regaining full strength and will play an important role for the Dodgers when they begin their season on April 7th.

Rojas, a veteran of nearly two decades, was one of the best defensive shortstops in Major League history and leads all Major League shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average. Additionally, he's one of the more consistent hitters at that position.

Though their decision to send him down was criticized, it was necessary in order to prevent any more injuries that could keep him out this spring. His value remains high and the Dodgers remain committed to his development as a player.

He’s batting off a tee

In an important injury development, the Dodgers have announced that Miguel Rojas is hitting off a tee for the first time since having wrist surgery in January. This marks a huge accomplishment for Rojas who had been recovering from his broken index finger last season before having another hand/wrist operation this offseason.

As Rojas recovered from his initial wrist surgery, he started experiencing discomfort in his right hand when swinging the bat. Even after having the bone between his thumb and index finger removed, Rojas still felt uneasy while hitting.

Rojas has now been given the green light by doctors to begin hitting off a tee at Camelback Ranch in Arizona, taking 15 swings daily. He plans on returning to his hitting program at the start of spring training and hopes to represent Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic next month if health permits.

Rojas is an ideal fit for the Dodgers as a veteran utility man who can serve as depth at both second base and shortstop after Gavin Lux departs. If he can remain as their everyday shortstop, Rojas could also provide fantasy managers with valuable options due to his impressive base-stealing prowess.

Rojas was acquired from the Miami Marlins earlier this week for infielder Jacob Amaya and will be an invaluable addition to their infield. He'll provide stability in place of Gavin Lux, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the season.

Rojas finished 2022 ranked among the top 10 shortstops in Defensive Run Saved and Outs Above Average, following up his stellar performances last season when he led Major League shortstops in both categories (DRS and OAA).

Unfortunately, his career numbers took a significant hit after suffering wrist/hand injuries during the second half of 2018. As a result, both his batting average and on-base percentage fell drastically as he struggled to maximize his at-bats.

Rojas has also struggled with his mental health, and is determined to make improvements before the end of this season. Hopefully his second hand/wrist surgery will mark a new beginning for him in terms of living a healthier, happier life.

He’s expected to play second and third base

This week, the Dodgers received an important Miguel Rojas injury update: He missed Tuesday's game against the Rockies due to a mild left groin strain. As such, Chris Taylor will serve as his starting shortstop for a fifth consecutive game.

Team USA is working to get Rojas back into the lineup for Friday's matchup against Arizona, but it could be some time before he is able to participate in full-squad drills. Impact: No impact expected during pregame warmup.

Rojas, in his 10th Major League season, has already established himself as one of the more experienced position players on a roster that was much younger during the offseason. But he also exhibits great curiosity; eager to learn and make the most of every opportunity presented to him.

He's still quite young, yet he is an impressive hitter who can limit strikeouts with ease and hit for power when necessary.

So it should come as no shock that the Dodgers have selected him to play second and third base in their opening lineup this year. But they don't expect him to be a star or even regular in this role.

Rojas is more likely to play a utility role, similar to his other major league appearances. However, he is expected to remain an important part of the Dodgers' long-term plans.

According to MLB.com's Jim Callis, Rojas will earn a total salary of $5 million in 2022, pushing the Dodgers' competitive balance tax payroll above the luxury tax threshold for the first time since 2017. In 2023 he is expected to make $4 million and another $1.75 million, respectively;

It's a win-win for the Dodgers, as it keeps them under the cap without having to pay out for Shohei Ohtani in 2023. Additionally, it resets their penalties - an invaluable asset as they prepare for next year's free-agent class.

Rojas could be a valuable addition to fantasy leagues if he can consistently stay in the lineup as shortstop. While he won't be an all-star, his intelligence and versatility make him ideal for multiple positions around the infield. Plus, Rojas is an impressive defender as well. With consistency and the right approach, Rojas could prove invaluable in fantasy baseball leagues.

He’s a backup shortstop

Rojas, who missed most of the spring and has not played since tweaking his left groin on a play in the field Sunday, is expected to return to the Dodgers' lineup Friday against Arizona, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports. Rojas will likely make another start at shortstop for them this season.

Rojas was acquired by the Dodgers during the winter to provide depth behind Gavin Lux and assess if he could be an everyday starter. Although he's only been playing shortstop full time for two seasons now, Rojas has already demonstrated his talent; with 15 defensive runs saved and 10 outs above average since 2017, he ranks among the league's top shortstops (Turner began playing at the same time as Rojas) over these past three years (Turner is tied for 16th).

His bat leaves something to be desired, but he can certainly hit. According to MLB Pipeline, he's a top-15 prospect with an impressive.256 batting average over the minors and an impressive track record at Double A.

He's under contract for just one more year at a reasonable $5 million, but his sure-handedness and batting eye could make him an invaluable everyday player. Furthermore, his major league track record shows a 91 wRC+ over 507 plate appearances from 2015-2022; though his slugging percentage dropped to 73 in 2022.

Rojas is likely to take his place as the starting shortstop with Lux out for the foreseeable future, giving him plenty of at-bats and the Dodgers likely able to insert him into the lineup if need be.

They may even go so far as to make him the starting shortstop for the entire season if they feel it is necessary. That would mark a major departure from their recent signals this offseason, which have all been directed at getting younger players on the team and keeping them under the Competitive Balance Tax threshold.