The Gavin Lux injury has affected Team Venezuela in their World Baseball Classic (WBC) participation.
No, Lux is not Venezuelan, but his unfortunate knee injury has activated a domino effect on the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Miguel Rojas is now expected to get the majority of the playing time at shortstop.
Rojas is Venezuelan, and was a member of the final roster for the WBC.
That’s not the case anymore, according to the LA Times’ Jack Harris.
“Miguel Rojas just announced he is planning to withdraw from the WBC. It was a mutual decision between him and the Dodgers, now that he is their starting shortstop in the wake of Gavin Lux’s injury,” he tweeted.
Miguel Rojas just announced he is planning to withdraw from the WBC
It was a mutual decision between him and the Dodgers, now that he is their starting shortstop in the wake of Gavin Lux’s injury
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) March 2, 2023
Rojas was acquired by the Dodgers this offseason, from the Miami Marlins.
He was brought in as insurance, because the Dodgers no longer employ Trea Turner.
Turner was the starting shortstop last year and took a $300 million deal from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite the Rojas acquisition, Lux was expected to be the starter in 2023.
That obviously won’t be the case, as his torn ACL will keep him sidelined for at least eight months.
Now, the Dodgers shortstop job is Rojas’ to lose, so he wants to make sure he prepares and is as ready as he can be.
The light-hitting, slick-fielding infielder had a lousy .605 OPS last year with the Marlins, but his defensive skills are incredible.
He could hold down the fort together with Chris Taylor, giving the Dodgers the chance to go to the trade market and find a more suitable replacement.
As for Venezuela, Jose Altuve and Andres Gimenez will likely be the middle infield for the Classic.
They are losing depth and defense with Rojas’ absence, though.
NEXT: The Dodgers Are Starting To Cycle Through Shortstop Options
