The Diamondbacks will be without utilityman Josh Rojas for “weeks, not days,” manager Torey Lovullo told The Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro and other reporters, as Rojas has suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain. It’s a rough setback for both Rojas and the team, as Rojas was projected to serve as the Diamondbacks’ starting third baseman.
One of four prospects acquired from the Astros in the 2019 Zack Greinke trade, Rojas was perhaps the least-heralded member of that quartet at the time of the deal, but has thus far had the biggest impact for the D’Backs at the big league level. The 27-year-old hit .264/.341/.411 with 11 home runs over 550 PA with Arizona last season, good for a 102 wRC+ and a 106 OPS+. Between this slightly above-average offense and Rojas’ ability to play all over the diamond, he was one of the few bright spots of an otherwise dismal season for the Snakes.
Rojas spent much of his time last season in right field and at both middle infield spots, also making 12 starts as a left fielder and seven starts at third base. Though it is probably safe to assume that Rojas will still get plenty of utility time in 2022, he had been slated for regular third base duty, as Arizona is lacking in depth at the hot corner.
Unfortunately, the D’Backs already now find themselves without their intended left side of the infield, between Rojas’ injury and Nick Ahmed’s ongoing shoulder problems. Ahmed is expected to start the season on the injured list, and while it seems like Rojas will have the longer absence of the two, the lingering nature of Ahmed’s sore shoulder has to be a concern.
Piecoro noted that Drew Ellis seems to be back in the Diamondbacks’ big league camp after previously being optioned to Triple-A, so Ellis looks to be in the mix for third base duty while Rojas is out. Ellis joins Sergio Alcantara and non-roster invites Wilmer Difo and Matt Davidson as candidates to fill in for Rojas. Josh VanMeter saw a good chunk of third base time for the D’Backs last season, but VanMeter was just traded to the Pirates on Thursday.
Fun fact: If you replace muscle with fat, you don’t have obliques to pull! #DadBod2022
Ouch, must be out for weeks, not days, if it’s a grade 2 strain
I am very smart
You are! How in the H E double-hockey-sticks did you know that?!!
This is where it starts. Mets send Robinson Cano, prospects and cash to Arizona for a PTBNL. Cano plays 3rd for he D-Backs. Mets now open to make another move, possibly with the Padres.
That’s wishful thinking on your part if you think the D-backs will take on Cano’s salary.
I’m only half serious. It would all depend on how much NY was willing to pay. But if the Mets found themselves in a situation similar to the Angels with J. Upton, finding a trade partner willing to pick up even a few million this year and next would be better than eating the whole contract.
Cano has a NTC. He won’t say yes to Arizona.
I suspect the DBacks with be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs by the end of the San Diego series.
Crap.
Davidson. full circle
Last guy I want to see at 3B. Dude has been dismal.
D-backs have good replacements for 1B, 2B and SS, but not 3B… dang.
Bummer they didn’t shore up one of their glaring needs. They knew 3rd base was a weakness and instead of trade for Chapman or try and sign Bryant or even bring Escobar back they decided to go without a real Third baseman. Then, the utilityman Third baseman goes down and you’re left with Davidson and Ellis, both who have no business being in the Majors.
I know Kenndrick is cheap and makes Hazen’s job tough, but this reminds me of all the years playing Marte in Center and moving people around as a way to make up for not actually addressing the team’s needs. The crazy thing is, they don’t have any minor leaguers that play well at 3rd either. This being the case, why trade Escobar last year and instead try and extend him? Now, due to not addressing this need for quite a while they’re in a pickle even before the season has started.