Dodgers Include Miguel Rojas on NLCS Roster Despite Back Injury

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas is weighing retirement with his mind split 60 percent toward walking away and 40 percent toward continuing his career, according to statements reported by Yahoo新聞. The 37-year-old veteran initially announced in December 2025 that the season would mark his final campaign before transitioning into a front-office role with the club in 2027.

Postseason Injury and Gritty Exit

Despite the discomfort, Rojas remained in the game to face left-handed pitcher Brent Suter before exiting in the eighth inning after aggravating the injury on a swing. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the infielder’s grit following the contest.

Championship Series Roster Recovery

The physical toll and uncertain retirement timeline intersect directly with roster management decisions for the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

According to reporting by NOWnews, manager Dave Roberts stated that Rojas is recovering well from his lower back issue and is expected to occupy a spot on the 26-year-old active roster as the series expands to a seven-game format.

Pitching Shift Ends Kim’s Run

To accommodate the longer series length, the Dodgers plan to shift from 12 pitchers to 13 pitchers by cutting one position player from the roster.

NOWnews noted that this adjustment effectively ends the postseason run for Korean infielder Kim Hye-seong, who logged a single inning of defensive duty in the ninth inning during the division series.

Internal Depth and Opening Matchup

The Athletic analyzed that even if Rojas were forced to miss the series entirely due to medical reasons, the club’s internal depth chart favors Alex Freeland as the primary backup over Kim. Freeland offers versatility across multiple infield positions and functions as a pinch-running option.

The Dodgers enter the series seeking to balance health concerns among veterans and roster configuration limits. The team faces the Milwaukee Brewers in the opening game of the best-of-seven series.

• Miguel Rojas evaluation: 60 percent leaning toward retirement, 40 percent toward playing
• Roster adjustment: Dodgers shifting from 12 to 13 pitchers for the Championship Series
• Impacted player: Kim Hye-seong removed from active roster calculations
• Injury status: Rojas expected to make the 26-man roster despite previous hip and back discomfort