Dodgers to Play NLDS Game 4 Short-Handed as Rojas Out with Back Injury
Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas will not be available for the Los Angeles Dodgers' potential series-clinching game against the Atlanta Braves due to a back ailment.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas has been ruled out of Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday due to a back injury, manager Dave Roberts announced. Rojas left Game 3 early Tuesday with lower back pain and will not be available for the team’s potential series clincher against the Atlanta Braves.
"Not great," Roberts said when asked about Rojas' condition. "Back’s sore. Laying low … So we’re going to kick this one to another day."
The Dodgers are not currently considering a roster move, as they hope Rojas' injury will improve. Roberts noted that if Rojas were to be replaced on the roster now, he would be ineligible to play in a potential NL Championship Series.
"To make any decisions that would compromise his status for a potential next series doesn’t make sense," Roberts said.
Rojas experienced discomfort while fielding a ground ball in the fifth inning on Tuesday and later showed visible signs of pain on a swing in the eighth inning before exiting the game.
Rojas had started the previous two games for the Dodgers, providing an additional right-handed bat against the Braves' left-handed starters. Following Tuesday's game, Rojas had expressed optimism about his availability for Game 4.
With Rojas unavailable, the Dodgers will have a reduced bench. Their available pinch-hitting options include switch-hitting utility player Tommy Edman, left-handed-hitting rookie Josue De Paula, left-handed-hitting backup catcher Hunter Feduccia, and baserunning/defensive specialist Hyeseong Kim.