Miguel Rojas is unlikely to be in the Dodgers’ starting lineup for Wednesday’s potential series-clinching game against the Atlanta Braves.
Rojas exited Tuesday’s 3-1 victory with tightness in his lower left back and hip area after aggravating the injury during an eighth-inning swing.
Dave Roberts said Rojas probably will not play in the Dodgers’ Game 4 lineup against Atlanta right-hander Tyler Mahle. However, Los Angeles remains hopeful that he will improve enough to be available if needed later in the game.
Rojas has not been ruled out, and the Dodgers continue to list him as day to day.
Injury Began During Defensive Play
Rojas said the discomfort initially surfaced during the final play of the fifth inning.
With two runners aboard, Ronald Acuña Jr. grounded a ball toward second base. Rojas fielded it and threw to first, ending the inning and limiting Atlanta to one run.
Rojas said he slipped while making the play and felt his hip and lower back tighten.
He specifically mentioned the condition of the playing surface at Truist Park, explaining that the grass felt inconsistent. Yoshinobu Yamamoto also appeared to lose his footing at one point during his dominant seven-inning performance.
Despite the discomfort, Rojas remained in the game.
He played two more defensive innings before stepping into the batter’s box against left-hander Brent Suter in the eighth.
Rojas Tried To Remain In The Game
Rojas did not immediately inform the Dodgers’ coaching staff about the tightness.
He knew Suter was pitching and believed he represented the appropriate right-handed matchup for that plate appearance.
“I felt like I was the right guy to take that at-bat,” Rojas said.
Rojas fouled off a pitch but immediately showed discomfort following the swing. He stepped away from the plate and pointed toward his lower back while speaking with the Dodgers’ medical staff.
Tommy Edman replaced him in the middle of the at-bat and remained in the game at second base.
Rojas later acknowledged that the swing caused the area to tighten further.
The attempt to stay in the game reflects the competitive approach the Dodgers expect from Rojas, but leaving when he did may have prevented the injury from becoming more serious.
Dodgers Hope Rojas Can Remain Available
Roberts indicated that the Dodgers would evaluate how Rojas responded to treatment before determining his availability.
“I think that’s kind of how he comes in tomorrow,” Roberts said after Game 3. “He probably won’t be in there tomorrow against Mahle. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.”
That wording matters.
Rojas is unlikely to start, but he is not officially unavailable.
He could potentially remain an option off the bench for defense, a matchup against a left-handed reliever or a late-game plate appearance if his condition improves.
Rojas also sounded optimistic after the game. He planned to receive multiple rounds of treatment and evaluate how his body responded Wednesday morning.
Reporting from Fabian Ardaya indicated that Rojas was not particularly concerned about his availability moving forward.
No imaging, roster move or extended absence has been announced.
Dodgers Can Exercise Caution Against Mahle
The matchup with Mahle gives the Dodgers a natural opportunity to rest Rojas without dramatically changing their intended lineup.
Rojas started Game 3 because the Dodgers wanted additional right-handed hitters against Chris Sale. He went 0-for-3 with one strikeout before leaving, but his presence allowed Los Angeles to construct a right-handed-heavy lineup against Atlanta’s ace.
Mahle is right-handed, which creates a clearer path for Edman or Max Muncy to return to the starting lineup.
Edman can handle second base, while Muncy can play third if Kiké Hernández remains elsewhere in the lineup.
That depth means the Dodgers do not need to force Rojas onto the field simply because Game 4 offers an opportunity to clinch the series.
The smarter decision is to preserve him for a situation in which his defense or ability to handle left-handed pitching becomes particularly valuable.
Rojas Remains An Important Postseason Piece
Rojas is 1-for-4 with a double and one run scored through the first three games of the NLDS.
His statistical production has been limited, but his importance extends beyond his offensive numbers.
Rojas gives Roberts a reliable defensive option at second, third and shortstop. He also provides a right-handed bat for games against left-handed pitching and has become one of the team’s most trusted veterans.
That versatility becomes increasingly valuable during a long postseason run.
The Dodgers lead the series 2-1 and can advance to the NLCS with a victory Wednesday. If they finish the series, giving Rojas time to recover could allow him to enter the next round closer to full strength.
Pushing him through another game and turning tightness into a more significant injury would accomplish the opposite.
Game 4 Availability Remains Possible
Rojas’ status should not be described as a confirmed absence.
The expectation is that he will not start, but the Dodgers hope he can remain available if a late-game situation requires him.
His response to treatment will ultimately determine how Roberts can use him.
For now, the news is encouraging enough to avoid fears of an immediate roster move, but significant enough that the Dodgers should proceed carefully.
Rojas tried to play through the discomfort because he believed the matchup called for him.
In Game 4, the Dodgers must make sure his desire to contribute does not outweigh the importance of keeping him healthy for the rest of October.