Miguel Rojas Optimistic Despite Back Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers came away with a big win in Game 3 of the National League Division Series to push the Atlanta Braves to the brink of elimination, but now have a Miguel Rojas injury to concern themselves with.

Rojas was removed in the top of the eighth inning after taking a swing. He immediately bent over in pain and gingerly walked off the field with a Dodgers trainer. The Fox broadcast showed Rojas pointing to to his lower back, just above his left hip area, while in the dugout.

The Dodgers announced during the game that Rojas exited early due to low back discomfort. Ken Rosenthal relayed on the broadcast that while Rojas came out after his swing, the injury ocurred while slipping on a play ranging to his left for the third out in the fifth inning.

Rojas downplayed concern while speaking with reporters in the clubhouse at Truist Park, while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts raised some caution over his avalability moving forward.

“I think that’s kind of how he comes in tomorrow. He probably won’t be in there tomorrow against (Tyler) Mahle,” Roberts said. “But just to have him available. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow. But I give him credit for conceding that at-bat because he wasn’t feeling right. So hopefully got it treated up and will feel better coming into tomorrow.”

Tommy Edman entered off the bench to finish the at-bat, and popped out on the first pitch he saw.

Rojas went 0-for-3 with one strikeout in his second consecutive postseason start. Rojas was in the Dodgers’ lineup for Games 2 and 3 due to the Braves starting a left-hander. Rojas doubled in his lone at-bat during Game 2.

Impact of potential Miguel Rojas injury

Should it become necessary, the Dodgers have the option to replace Rojas on their playoff roster but doing so would make him ineligible if they advance to the NL Championship Series. L.A. would have to reach the World Series in order for Rojas to be added back onto their postseason roster.

If that is the route the team elects to take, Alex Freeland figures to be the choice as a roster replacement. Hyeseong Kim is already with the team in the NLDS as a pinch-runner. So too is Josue De Paula for the pinch-hitter role off the bench.

Alex Call is another candidate to replace Rojas, particularly with the versatility Enrique Hernández provides by being able to play the infield.