Feb 28, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Miguel Rojas was among the several Los Angeles Dodgers who were expecting to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, but he has withdrawn from playing for Team Venezuela.

Rojas’ decision stems from Gavin Lux suffering a torn ACL and sprained LCL in his right knee that will likely keep him out for the 2023 season. The injury shifted Rojas from a utility role to starting shortstop, and he wants to keep focused on preparing for the Dodgers.

“It’s definitely heartbreaking that I can’t go and participate with Venezuela,” Rojas said from the clubhouse at Camelback Ranch.

“And the reason why is a new opportunity opened up for me here to play every day at shortstop. I know I played for the organization a long time ago, but I just got to this organization, there’s a lot of new faces, a lot of new people that I need to know, that I need to get used to.

“And especially with my offseason, two wrist surgeries, I need to get at-bats, I need to get going, and my role on the Venezuelan team wouldn’t be playing every day. I would be more of a role player, a guy coming in late in the game to play defense. I don’t know how many at-bats I would get.

“I talked to the GM, the manager of the team and the people running the Venezuela team and I said, ‘You know what, I feel the necessity for me, for my career, for the organization, for the Los Angeles Dodgers to try to find a way to win a championship, and they are counting on me.’

“I need to stay and I need to keep building those relationships with guys, especially with Miggy (Varags) at second base, knowing that he’s going to be playing for the first time at second every day. It’s something that I don’t take easy and this is a hard decision.

“But at the end of the day, it’s what I need to do for my future and for the organization as well. “

The veteran infielder originally expressed great interest in playing for Team Venezuela once the Dodgers gave him the green light in his recovery from offseason wrist and hand ailments.

Rojas could still join Team Venezuela if he is able to get everyday at-bats, but for now, his focus will be on a majority split at shortstop in his 10th MLB season.

“There’s still a possibility that I become the shortstop, that everyday shortstop for the Venezuelan team if something happened throughout these days,” Rojas acknowledged.

“And the WBC starts the 11th, but I’m not going to be leaving the fifth anymore, like I was supposed to, to go to practice. I’m going to wait and I’m going to be ready. I got to be prepared if they want me and they need to play every day, I’ll be going there because my role change on this team.”

How Miguel Rojas rejoined Dodgers

The Dodgers acquired Rojas from the Miami Marlins this offseason in exchange for prospect Jacob Amaya. He spent his past eight seasons with the Marlins, providing stellar defense that put his name in multiple Gold Glove finalist conversations.

A search for infield depth behind Vargas and Lux created a need, and Rojas fit the bill. His bat leaves a lot to be desired, and after his injury-hampered 2022 season contributed to a career-low .605 on-base plus slugging, a bounce-back year is in order.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Pistons make wrong kind of history at NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Pacers C Myles Turner makes absurd three-pointer in first quarter vs. Knicks
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Giants place key outfielder on injured list
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Novak Djokovic thinks water bottle incident may have played role in surprising loss
Steelers agree to deal with veteran CB
Bruins captain out for Game 4 vs. Panthers
Veteran WR announces retirement from NFL
Mavericks come from behind to down Thunder, take 2-1 series lead
Stars continue road dominance with Game 3 win over Avalanche
Watch: Paul Skenes wastes no time showing why Pirates drafted him No. 1 overall
Watch: Braves were one out away from first no-hitter in 30 years
Roman Wilson hopes to become Steelers' next 'great' WR
Chargers sign veteran edge-rusher
Justin Allgaier dominates at Darlington for first win of 2024

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.