Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas had a scary moment Tuesday night, exiting Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves after tweaking his lower back. The veteran infielder was at the plate in the eighth inning, trying to battle Braves reliever Brent Suter, when he felt something on a swing. He immediately started walking gingerly around the plate, signaling something was wrong. After a quick chat with trainer Yosuke Nakajima and manager Dave Roberts, Rojas was pulled from the game mid-at-bat with a 1-1 count, a tough blow in a crucial postseason game.
Dodgers Say Rojas Should Be Available, Despite Game 3 Exit
Tommy Edman stepped in for Rojas, popping out to finish the plate appearance, then stayed in at second base for the final two innings. Even though it looked rough, both Rojas and the team are confident he’ll be ready to go if needed moving forward. Manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters in Atlanta, saying, “He probably won’t be in there tomorrow against [Braves right-hander Tyler] Mahle. But just to have him available. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.” Roberts gave Rojas credit for having the awareness to concede the at-bat when he wasn’t feeling right, hoping treatment would get him back in shape for the next day. Rojas echoed that sentiment, telling reporters in the clubhouse he felt some tightness in his left lower back/hip area but wasn’t concerned about his availability for future games. This isn’t the first time Rojas had a physical scare in the game, either; he also slipped on the wet turf on a groundout to end the fifth inning, though he still managed to throw out Ronald Acuña Jr. on the play.
Postseason Role and Retirement Talk
Rojas has been a key piece for the Dodgers this postseason, playing in two of their three games so far. He’s started both of those games against left-handed Braves pitchers, taking third base in Game 2 and second base in Game 3. He even crushed a double off Ray Kerr in Game 2 on Sunday, though he was hitless in three at-bats against Chris Sale in Game 3. The dude can hit southpaws, too, finishing the regular season with a .293/.340/.469 slash line and a 121 wRC+ against lefties. But here’s the kicker: the 37-year-old infielder signed a one-year deal last December and openly talked about retiring after this season to move into the Dodgers’ front office, specifically focusing on player development. The big question now is whether this NLDS run truly is his “final ride” as a player. Rojas isn’t letting it mess with his head, though. He told reporters earlier Tuesday that he’s “not thinking about that at all. I’m not thinking about my future or anything. I’m thinking about a player who is hitting sixth today in the lineup to help the team win. And I still feel like I can play the game.” He made it clear he wouldn’t step away due to performance, but due to “other things in life” he’s contemplating. It sounds like he’s not 100 percent decided, keeping us all guessing.
It’s a huge moment for Rojas and the Dodgers with Game 4 looming. We’ll be watching closely to see if he’s back in the dugout tomorrow and how his back holds up in this intense postseason battle.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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