He’s ready to fill this new role in LA.
The Dodgers’ lineup was hit with a massive blow this week when starting shortstop Gavin Lux tore his ACL and sprained his LCL, officially putting an end to his 2023 season before it even began.
Lux was ready to fill the shoes of being the Dodgers’ shortstop, and finally live up to the high expectations that came with him when he entered the league.
Unfortunately, that has now been put on hold, and the Dodgers’ shortstop position will be in the hands of someone who wasn’t even on the team a few months ago.
On Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Miguel Rojas will get a majority of the playing time at shortstop, playing there around 75 to 80 percent of the time.
While Rojas was initially acquired to be a depth piece, he told the media that he’s more than ready to play in this new role.
“What it means for me is what I’ve been preparing for,” Rojas said. “I’ve been playing shortstop everyday for the last four or five years of my career. I went into the offseason preparing to play 162 games and here it is. Here’s an opportunity I’m not going to take for granted. I know what I have to do to be part of a winning team.”
Rojas added that he always stays ready, because you never know when you’ll be needed in a larger role.
“It doesn’t matter who’s going down or who’s getting injured, you have to be ready,” Rojas said. “If you’re going to be a role player and the guy on the bench, you have to be ready for these opportunities.”
Fortunately for the Dodgers, they’re getting an experienced veteran at the position in Rojas. The nine-year veteran began his career with the Dodgers in 2014, before going to Miami, where he’s mainly been a shortstop. Rojas also isn’t just any shortstop — he’s a well-above average one on the defensive side of the ball.
Last year, Rojas had an incredible 15 defensive runs saved above average, playing 136 games at the position.
The question mark will be his bat, but the Dodgers clearly feel okay giving up a little in the lineup to have a great defender at short. And they’re hoping he can improve his bat a little bit, and give them some production at the bottom of the lineup.
