Dodgers likely to activate struggling shortstop from IL on Monday

As planned, Miguel Rojas played five innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate in Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, in what looks like it will be the only game of his rehab assignment.  Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and other reporters that assuming Rojas emerged from that game in good health, the shortstop would be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Monday’s game with the Phillies.

A left hamstring strain sent Rojas to the IL on April 19, though the strain was just one of several lower-body issues which have been bothering him since Opening Day.  With that in mind, this IL stint could be something of a reset to get Rojas both physically and mentally on track, considering his tough start to the season.  Over his first 35 plate appearances on the young campaign, Rojas had hit only .125/.200/.156, resulting in a rare negative OPS+ total of -2.

Rojas’ struggles carried a greater import considering that he went into the year as the Dodgers’ de facto everyday shortstop, due to the torn ACL that prematurely ended Gavin Lux’s season in spring training.  Los Angeles acquired Rojas in an offseason trade with the Marlins to add veteran depth behind Lux and did not expect Rojas to be taking on a regular role in such sudden fashion.

Unsurprisingly, Roberts said that Rojas wouldn’t be resuming everyday shortstop duties when he does return and that the Dodgers will continue to give Chris Taylor and Mookie Betts time at the position. Taylor has been ice-cold at the plate and even Betts is batting well below his usual superstar standard, but at least for now, the Dodgers simply don’t have a lot of options at shortstop.  

Rojas was not known for his bat during his time in Miami, but even getting close to league-average offense -- like the 96 wRC+ Rojas posted in 2021 -- would help the Dodgers adjust their lineup at least somewhat closer to its usual alignment.