Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas Begins MiLB Rehab Assignment; What Will Shortstop Look Like?

As Rojas returns, the crunch for playing time gets more pronounced for Dave Roberts.

The Dodgers roster could be getting a big glove back soon as slick fielding shortstop Miguel Rojas is nearing his return from the injured list. Rojas landed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain during the last homestand and is checking off the last boxes before potentially being activated as soon as Monday. 

One of the last boxes: go play in a game.

The 34-year-old will be in the starting lineup with the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Saturday night as he begins a brief minor league rehab assignment.

Miguel Rojas begins a rehab assignment with @RCQuakes today.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) April 29, 2023

He'll play 5 innings at shortstop at Rancho.

With Rojas out, the Dodgers have turned to Luke Williams, Chris Taylor, and Mookie Betts at shortstop. For Betts, it was the first time in his big league career that he's played the position. Notably, he's handled it very well.

In 11 games this season, Rojas has hit just .125 with a double and a run scored. It's certainly not the way he hoped his return to the Dodgers would begin but there is still plenty of season to get back on track.

Where Does Miguel Rojas Fit Into the Playing Time Picture?

As for the plan for playing time when he returns, that seems up in the air. If Dave Roberts plans on keeping Mookie in the mix at shortstop, it could be a situation where he starts once or twice a week and that opens up the veteran Rojas for a few games at second base or even third base during the week.

It's reasonable to think that Rojas would likely resume getting the lion's share of playing time at shortstop and Betts would be more of a late game replacement if Rojas is pinch hit for in a big spot. But that might not be the case. 

Ahead of Saturday's game at Dodger Stadium, the manager told reporters that the veteran won't be running out to shortstop every day. That would leave some starts up the middle for Betts and Chris Taylor who has also handled the position well this season.