Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas is undergoing an X-ray on his left ring finger after being forced to exit Sunday’s game prematurely. The veteran infielder appeared to sustain the injury during a routine play, raising immediate concerns for both the team and fans as the Dodgers continue their pursuit of postseason positioning in the second half of the MLB season. While no official diagnosis has been released yet, the team’s decision to proceed with imaging suggests a level of concern about the nature or severity of the injury.
Rojas, known for his dependable glove and steady leadership, left the field in visible discomfort during the middle innings of the game. The injury seemed to occur during a defensive sequence, though team officials have yet to confirm the exact moment or play that caused it. After a brief examination by the training staff on the field, Rojas was escorted off and later sent for further evaluation. Initial reports from the clubhouse indicate the injury involves his left ring finger, a crucial digit for fielders, especially those who rely on quick hands and secure grip for double plays, throws across the diamond, and routine infield work.
Rojas has been a critical part of the Dodgers’ infield depth throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, serving primarily as a shortstop but also slotting in at second and third base when needed. With a team loaded with star power, his contributions often go unnoticed by the national media, but within the organization, his veteran presence is considered indispensable. He’s been lauded by coaches and teammates alike for his leadership, defensive instincts, and the steadying influence he brings to a young and often rotating lineup. In a clubhouse filled with megawatt talent, Rojas is one of the glue guys — not flashy, but vital.
This potential injury arrives at a less-than-ideal time for the Dodgers, who are already managing several other injuries and roster challenges. Depth has been tested at multiple positions this season, and Rojas’s ability to cover multiple infield spots has been instrumental. His absence, even if brief, could force the team to make difficult lineup decisions in the coming days or weeks. Manager Dave Roberts did not speculate on the severity during his postgame remarks but emphasized that Rojas would undergo imaging and that the team would know more by Monday.
The Dodgers have options for replacing Rojas in the short term, including younger players such as Gavin Lux or utility men like Chris Taylor, who has experience across the infield and outfield. However, neither brings the same level of defensive consistency or veteran savvy that Rojas offers. Additionally, any absence by Rojas could create ripple effects across the defensive alignment, requiring players to shift into less familiar positions or increasing the workload for others already dealing with minor injuries or fatigue.
As the Dodgers chase another National League West title, injuries like these become magnified. Though baseball is a 162-game marathon, the calendar now reads July, and every game begins to matter just a little more. The margin for error in a division featuring strong competition from the San Diego Padres and the ever-pesky San Francisco Giants is slim. Rojas’s status, then, takes on added importance not only because of his own contributions but because of the domino effect his absence could produce across the diamond.
It is also important to consider the nature of finger injuries in baseball. Even minor fractures or ligament strains can be notoriously tricky for infielders, especially for a player whose primary value lies in his ability to make quick, accurate throws and glove difficult ground balls. For hitters, finger injuries can significantly alter grip strength and bat control, often lingering longer than expected. In Rojas’s case, his left hand plays a critical role both in his batting and fielding mechanics. Depending on the results of the X-ray, he could be looking at anything from a few days off to a stint on the injured list.
Rojas, now in his 11th MLB season, has built a reputation as one of the more respected veterans in the league. After beginning his career with the Dodgers back in 2014, he spent several productive seasons with the Miami Marlins before returning to Los Angeles ahead of the 2023 season. Though never a star statistically, Rojas has provided exceptional value through intangibles, leadership, and defensive prowess. He’s the kind of player managers love — always prepared, never rattled, and willing to do the little things that don’t show up in box scores but help teams win.
In the current campaign, Rojas has posted solid numbers at the plate for a utility infielder, with a batting average hovering around .270 and several key hits in clutch moments. His defense has remained elite, with metrics like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) reflecting his continued excellence at shortstop and second base. The Dodgers have leaned on his versatility and consistency, especially during stretches when primary starters have been unavailable. Losing him, even temporarily, complicates matters and could expose the team’s depth depending on the upcoming schedule and opponent matchups.
The Dodgers’ front office, led by Andrew Friedman, is known for its depth planning and strategic roster construction. With the trade deadline approaching in late July, Rojas’s injury status could also factor into decision-making regarding potential infield reinforcements. If imaging reveals more serious damage, it may accelerate the front office’s pursuit of a veteran utility infielder or shortstop who can provide insurance for the stretch run. While no team wants to make panic moves based on a single injury, the uncertainty surrounding finger injuries — and the role Rojas plays — may prompt more aggressive action.
For Rojas himself, the hope is that the X-rays come back clean and that the injury is nothing more than a contusion or a mild sprain. Players often play through minor hand or finger ailments, and if swelling and pain are manageable, it’s possible he could return within a few days. However, the Dodgers’ medical team is known for its caution, particularly when dealing with veteran players, and may opt to give Rojas extended rest if there’s any risk of aggravating the injury.
Fans and teammates will be watching closely for the results, which are expected to be released sometime Monday. In the meantime, the Dodgers will likely rely on their deep bench and flexible roster to cover for Rojas’s absence. In a postgame interview, Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler noted Rojas’s impact on the clubhouse and emphasized how much the team values him, calling him “one of the smartest defenders in the game” and “a guy you just trust out there.”
The incident is also a reminder of how fragile a baseball season can be, even for teams as well-resourced and talent-laden as the Dodgers. Injuries to star players often grab the headlines, but it’s the loss of steady contributors like Rojas that can subtly erode a team’s performance over time. Every infield grounder, every tricky hop, every turn of the double play — these are the moments where a player like Rojas earns his value. Without him, the Dodgers must hope that someone else can step into that gap and deliver similarly consistent performance.
Until the imaging results are known, all anyone can do is wait. For Rojas, that wait is likely filled with uncertainty and hope — hope that the injury is minor, that he can return quickly, and that he can continue contributing to a team with serious championship aspirations. For the Dodgers, it’s a reminder that depth, preparation, and adaptability will continue to be critical in the weeks ahead. And for fans, it’s another example of how even the smallest injuries — a single finger, a brief moment on the field — can ripple across an entire season.
