Dodgers' World Series roster decision likely spells end of outfielder's career

With the Los Angeles Dodgers announcing their roster for the World Series matchup against the New York Yankees beginning on Friday night, one omission likely means the end of a veteran outfielder's career.

When the Dodgers finalized their 26-man roster ahead of Game 1, Kevin Kiermaier's name was absent. The 34-year-old outfielder had declared earlier in the season that he would retire after the campaign, meaning his career has likely ended unless he is added as an injury replacement later in the Fall Classic.

Kiermaier, acquired by the Dodgers from the Toronto Blue Jays at the MLB trade deadline, appeared in 34 regular-season games for Los Angeles, slashing .203/.242/.322 in 64 plate appearances. He did not play in the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres; he went 0-for-2 in limited action against the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series. 

While Kiermaier was part of the Dodgers' NLCS roster, he lost out on a potential World Series spot when Miguel Rojas was deemed healthy enough to participate in the Fall Classic. Rojas has been dealing with a sports hernia that is expected to require surgery in the offseason, but it has reportedly healed enough for manager Dave Roberts to include him in his arsenal against the Yankees.

"Miggy Ro [Rojas] is doing well," Roberts told reporters on Thursday. "Yesterday he participated in the entire workout — running well, taking at-bats, catching grounders. Everything looks really good."

Kiermaier made his MLB debut at the end of the 2013 regular season and spent parts of 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays before signing a deal with the Blue Jays before the 2022 campaign. He won four Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove during his career, earning a reputation as one of the game's best defensive center fielders.