Mailbag Monday: How much longer for Miguel Rojas?
Happy Monday, everyone!
Personally, I have no idea how we’re already in June. That makes zero sense at all. I mean, next thing you know it’ll be the All-Star break and then all of a sudden the postseason will be here.
Time needs to slow down a bit!
As always, thank you so much to everyone who asked a question in the mailbag this week. I appreciate it! If you’d like to ask a question for the next mailbag, make sure to SUBSCRIBE!!!
Geoff Shackelford — Was Ryan Yarbrough a victim of our (otherwise fine) organization's obsession with velocity and spin rates? And I realize it's probably unfair to ask today after he just shut down the Dodgers Sunday night in pretty embarrassing fashion!
Unfortunately Yarbrough just didn’t have a spot on the roster with all their pitching options. Though, they definitely could have used him during the postseason run last season! They prioritized having a Gold Glove caliber center fielder in Kevin Kiermaier and believed Yarbrough was expendable. Obviously it hurt to see him dominate us last night, especially considering we really didn’t get much in return (Kiermaier didn’t make any impact in 2024).
Kris Hernandez — Any chance we see Glasnow before the break? What's Treinen status
The last update we saw on Treinen was that he was throwing. While definitely an encouraging sign, he still has a ways to go before we see him return to the mound. The latest update on Glasnow was he was continuing his throwing progression as well, but that was a few weeks ago.
Honestly, I don’t expect either pitcher to return before the All-Star break. The Dodgers know they have to be extra cautious with both arms and I think they will be. I definitely think we’ll see them return before August, though.
Travis — Sheehan looked good yesterday as he starts his buildup. How many starts do they give him before bringing him up?
I think like with every other pitcher, they’re going to be extra cautious. He threw 39 pitches yesterday, so he still has to build up. If I were to guess, they’re probably going to want him to be fully built up and able to throw about 90 pitches. I think that would probably mean at least three more starts for him to hit that number. Once he hits 90 pitches, maybe they’ll want to give him another start to see if he can do it in back-to-back outings. I think right around the All-Star break is a realistic return date.
MJ Vera — Blake, in the April 14 mailbag, I asked when we should actually be concerned with the Dodgers play. You mentioned waiting until mid May before giving your thoughts.
Just wanted to see how you’re feeling since we're post Memorial Day. The team has been playing well, minus a few duds here or there, but our pitchers arms are falling off and our fielders need steal toed slippers.
So, how are you feeling overall?
Overall I’m feeling a lot better than when you asked! Essentially the entire pitching staff is on the injured list and the Dodgers are only 2.5 games back of having the best record in all of baseball. Despite not playing their best baseball through the first two months, they’re still on pace to win 100 games. I’m confident this team will get hot at some point and honestly, I wouldn’t be shocked if by the time August gets here they have a rather large lead in the NL West.
Joshua Child — Might just be me, but I feel like HS Kim is like a Ferrari that Doc is keeping in the garage and rarely bringing it out into the sunlight. Why? Why must we continue to give Conforto more opportunities to play subpar baseball?
Haha, it’s not just you! Everyone is furious Kim isn’t getting more playing time. I’m sure there is some master plan behind it. While we’re all frustrated with Conforto, they are going to continue to give him opportunities because they gave him $17 million. Plus, he has looked a lot better recently. My issue is that the Dodgers are giving Miguel Rojas more opportunities than Kim. At this point, Rojas’ only role should be as a late-inning replacement defensively. He shouldn’t be taking any at bats away from Kim. His wRC+ of 48 is one of the worst in all of baseball, so he’s giving you nothing at the plate. If I were to guess, we’re going to see a switch as the season goes on. I expect more playing time from Kim as he gets more comfortable and less time from Rojas.
Josh Elliott — How much longer are the Dodgers going to play Mookie Betts and Teo Hernandez at shortstop and in right field, respectively, when it's apparent that neither is at all optimal for the ballclub?
How much longer does Miguel Rojas have? Because as with Chris Taylor before him, the Dodgers' stockpile of defensively versatile players has made Rojas a bit redundant, given that his offense is now essentially non-existent....
I think the Dodgers are going to keep those two there for the remainder of the season. They’re committed to Betts at shortstop and I just can’t see them putting him back in right field like they did last season. Unless it’s absolutely necessary for whatever reason, these defensive alignments are here to stay.
In regards to Rojas, I think he has at least until the trade deadline. If there is another bat the Dodgers prefer off the bench, they can acquire one. I know Bob Nightengale recently had a report where the Dodgers are reportedly looking for a left-handed bat off the bench. If they don’t acquire one, maybe they call up Alex Freeland from the minors. I just really can’t see a scenario where Rojas is still on this team in October. He wouldn’t be starting and there shouldn’t be a situation where he bat is needed off the bench.
LifesEZ — How serious do you see this Mets Series?
This will be another huge test for the Dodgers. Entering the series, the Mets are tied for the second best record in all of baseball. When these two teams faced off last weekend, the Mets took two of three. Now they get to welcome New York to town for a four-game series. I don’t think this series is a MUST WIN or anything, I just would like to see them play great baseball against a really good opponent. It’ll be great to see them win the series, but I’d honestly be okay if they split and just went 2-2.