- MLB Roki Sasaki is thrilled with his new role in the Dodgers bullpen
- MLB Dave Roberts worked his magic with Roki Sasaki and earned praise from one of his Dodgers stars
The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high after taking the first two games of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, giving them a commanding 88.9% chance of advancing.
However, as they prepare for Game 3 back at Dodger Stadium, manager Dave Roberts faces an unexpected hurdle, a potential injury to defensive standout Miguel Rojas.
Rojas was instrumental in securing the Dodgers' narrow 4-3 win in Game 2. In the sixth inning, he made a critical defensive stop, sliding across the infield to tag out Trea Turner at third base and prevent the go-ahead run.
It was a momentum-shifting play in a high-pressure moment, underscoring the veteran's value to the team. But moments later, Rojas appeared uncomfortable heading back to the dugout, signaling a possible issue.
After the game, Roberts confirmed what many feared - Rojas had tweaked his hamstring, an injury he's quietly been managing for several weeks. "It tightened up on him," Roberts explained. "It's something he's been dealing with. We just wanted to be smart and get him out of there."
Balancing defense and depth
Rojas' absence would be more than a minor setback. His postseason stats, three hits and one RBI across seven at-bats, only tell part of the story.
His elite defensive reliability at third base, where he posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage this regular season, gives the Dodgers a late-game advantage. That type of defense becomes even more valuable in playoff baseball, where every out matters.
This isn't the first injury scare for Rojas this season. In June, he suffered a finger injury while being tagged out, which briefly sidelined him. Though he avoided the injured list then, his durability remains a question, especially during the most intense stretch of the year.
With Rojas currently considered "day to day," Roberts has already penciled in Max Muncy at third base for Game 3. Muncy offers offensive firepower, but his glove doesn't match Rojas' level of precision.
The bigger concern for the Dodgers is whether Rojas can be available as a late-inning defensive replacement, a role that could be vital as the series progresses.
Adding to Roberts' concerns is the status of catcher Will Smith, who's recovering from a broken hand. So far, Ben Rortvedt has started behind the plate in both games, while Smith has contributed off the bench. Roberts has been cautious with his star catcher, hoping to preserve his bat and defense for high-leverage moments.
"If things continue trending well, starting Smith in Game 3 is on the table," Roberts said, balancing optimism with caution.
As the series shifts to Los Angeles, the Dodgers remain in control but key decisions around health and depth could shape how this series ends. For Roberts, strategic flexibility is now just as important as star power.