Rojas makes difficult call to sit out Classic
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Playing for Team Venezuela within the World Baseball Classic is one thing Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas has been trying ahead to for numerous years.
Rojas met with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, common supervisor Brandon Gomes and supervisor Dave Roberts on Tuesday, and all events concerned determined it was greatest for Rojas to withdraw from the match and keep in camp with the Dodgers.
“It’s a decision that is not coming easy for me,” Rojas stated Thursday. “Definitely the WBC and my country and being part of that squad has always been a priority for me and something I really value in my career. One of the best things that I could have done in my career, an experience like no other.”
Rojas stated the principle cause for his withdrawal from the match is as a result of he must get constant at-bats this spring. The 34-year-old underwent surgical procedures on his proper hand and wrist this offseason, stopping him from placing in his regular work.
For Team Venezuela, Rojas could be a backup at quick behind the Guardians’ Andrés Giménez, whereas Jose Altuve goes to get each alternative at second base. Rojas’ unsure position for Team Venezuela additionally precipitated some concern for him and the Dodgers. Rojas stated he may nonetheless take part for Venezuela, however provided that it comes with common at-bats, one thing that seems to be unlikely at this second.
“We already talked about how bad of a break for the organization it is having Lux hurt like that,” Rojas stated. “But I feel like someone has to step up and someone has to take over the position, right? So I’ve been preparing myself for the last nine years to play shortstop every day. For me, that doesn’t change. I’m preparing to play 162 games and whatever it takes to do that, I will be ready.”
When the Dodgers acquired Rojas from the Marlins in January, the pondering was to have him be a key depth piece in case of damage. Nobody anticipated him to be thrust into the on a regular basis position at shortstop this early within the season, however that’s the truth the Dodgers face now.
“Obviously, as an organization, it benefits us,” Roberts stated of Rojas’ choice to skip the WBC. “Getting ready for everyday at-bats, essentially, makes a lot more sense than going and playing the utility role. I let his teammates know yesterday, and they were very grateful and shocked at his sacrifice.”
One teammate specifically that Rojas is staying in camp for is second baseman Miguel Vargas. The Cuban infielder continues to be studying the place and has benefited from having Mookie Betts and Rojas as tutors.
With the brand new shift guidelines in place that stop opposing groups from having greater than two infielders on both sides of the second-base bag, being acquainted with your double-play associate turns into extra essential than ever. Having Lux and Vargas taking part in on the identical time was a precedence for the Dodgers earlier than Lux’s damage.
Now, it’ll be a precedence to have Vargas and Rojas work collectively, as was the case within the Dodgers’ 5-5 tie with the D-backs on Thursday at Camelback Ranch. Not taking part in for his nation was a sacrifice Rojas was prepared to make as he continued to determine himself as an enormous piece of the Dodgers’ puzzle.
“I’m really grateful for them to give me the opportunity to be the guy and be out there every single day at shortstop, or at least the majority of the time because we know [Chris] Taylor can play short as well,” Rojas stated. “I’m going to prepare to play every day. If I’m in the lineup, I’m ready. If I’m not, I’m going to be ready to come off the bench.”
