Miguel Rojas took ground balls, stepped in for a few batting-practice rounds and gave the Dodgers a measure of encouragement before their flight to Milwaukee, but Los Angeles has not settled his place on the National League Championship Series roster.
| NLCS Game 1 | Matchup | First pitch | Television |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Dodgers at Brewers | 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT | FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One |
The 37-year-old shortstop sat out Game 4 of the Division Series against Atlanta after leaving Game 3 with discomfort in his lower left back and hip. Imaging brought no immediate alarm, and manager Dave Roberts said the findings largely reflected issues Rojas has dealt with before.
Rojas was hurt in the fifth inning of Game 3 while trying to field a Ronald Acuña Jr. ground ball. He slipped on the play, remained in the field for two more innings, then felt the back tighten further during an eighth-inning plate appearance. He was removed before finishing that at-bat.
A decision can wait
Roberts said the club had no reason to rush a call before arriving in Milwaukee. Rojas was receiving treatment before the team departed, and the Dodgers planned to evaluate him again during Saturday’s workout.
“The update was encouraging,” Roberts said. “He took ground balls and had a couple of BP rounds, which was good. But we still have the flight and another workout, so there is nothing final yet.”
With no immediate roster deadline forcing their hand, the Dodgers intend to use every available hour. The central question is not merely whether Rojas can be active Sunday, but whether he can remain sound through a series that could run seven games and beyond.
“If he is on the roster, you have to know he can stay healthy,” Roberts said. “You do not want to lose him for a possible World Series. We have other solid options if he cannot go, but what we saw today was encouraging.”
One pitcher coming, one bench spot leaving
Los Angeles will make at least one roster adjustment for the longer NLCS. Roberts confirmed the club plans to carry 13 pitchers, trimming the position-player group that numbered 14 during the NLDS.
| Roster construction | NLDS | Planned NLCS change |
|---|---|---|
| Pitchers | 12 | 13 |
| Position players | 14 | 13 |
That move makes Rojas’ health a larger clubhouse decision. If he is cleared but is not ready to start immediately, Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández give the Dodgers alternatives around the infield. But keeping a limited Rojas while reducing the bench would leave less room for late-game maneuvering.
Hyeseong Kim and rookie outfielder Josue De Paula appear to be the most vulnerable to the coming roster squeeze. Kim offers middle-infield coverage and experience if Rojas is restricted. De Paula, the organization’s top prospect, made his own case in the clinching Game 4 against the Braves.
Sent up to pinch-hit in the seventh inning, the 21-year-old worked a 3-1 walk against Didier Fuentes. The patient trip helped extend the inning before Andy Pages delivered the go-ahead two-run single.
For now, the Dodgers have a favorable update rather than a firm answer. Rojas will travel, get another evaluation in Milwaukee and determine whether he can be part of the October roster without putting the rest of his postseason at risk.
