Introduction to Josh Rojas’ Debut
It was Opening Day again on the South Side. At least it was for White Sox infielder Josh Rojas. “I felt like I was out forever,” Rojas said. It wasn’t forever, but Rojas is finally off the injured list and made his Sox debut more than a month later than he’d hoped when he signed a free-agent deal in January.
Background on Rojas’ Injury
A veteran of six big league seasons with the Diamondbacks and Mariners, he was anticipated to be a regular on the Sox’ infield before a sliding base-runner fractured his toe during a spring-training game. After a long layoff, Rojas can now step into that role, and he expects to bounce around the infield and play second base, shortstop and third base, which is what he did during his recent rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte.
Expectations for Rojas’ Role
Of course, things have changed on the Sox’ infield since the spring and early portion of the regular season, and Chase Meidroth’s successful arrival will continue to equal ample playing time for the rookie. Rojas was the Sox’ starting third baseman Sunday, and the ball found him right away: The first pitch of the game was hit to him for a ground out. Depending on how he fares – his career OPS-plus of 92 means he’s been eight percent worse than the average hitter since 2019 – Rojas could be a stabilizing presence while top prospect Colson Montgomery tries to get his bat going in the minors.
Impact on the Team
“[Hopefully he can bring] energy, a little bit more energy. Some experience, too,” Sox hitting coach Marcus Thames said Sunday. “He’s got more at-bats than a lot of our guys. Just get him healthy, and hopefully he can help spark us a little bit. “If the foot is fine, he’s going to be OK.” As for that foot, Rojas said he can still feel some discomfort in his toe. But he feels he’s back to doing everything he wants to do on the field.
Rojas’ Playing Style
“A lot of my game relies on being athletic,” Rojas said. “If I was just a power-hitting third baseman, it might be a different story. But I’ve got to be able to run the bases full speed. I’ve got to be able to make plays in the hole. I’ve got to be able to beat out infield singles. I’ve got to be able to do all the little things, and my game relies heavily on being able to do those things. “My toe was not in a place to be able to do that until about a week ago. So when that point hit when I felt like I could go full speed, I was ready to come back.”
Team Dynamics and Expectations
Though these Sox were not exactly built to win, in the thick of a rebuild and with low expectations coming off their record-setting 121-loss season in 2024, Rojas’ return helps the roster look a little more like what Chris Getz’s front office expected during the winter. Still, injuries have befallen many of the front office’s offseason additions, and before Rojas’ return Sunday, the Sox found perhaps their four biggest acquisitions of the winter on the injured list at the same time: Rojas, left-handed starter Martin Perez and the planned right-field platoon of Mike Tauchman and Austin Slater.
Trade Deadline Implications
None of those guys figure to mean much for the Sox in the big picture of their long-term rebuilding project. But a solid performance or two could prove the investment worthwhile if Getz can net something for any of them at the trade deadline, something that becomes significantly more difficult when those players are all dealing with injuries. But it’s still early, with months to go until that deadline, and perhaps Rojas can be that type of asset come July.
Conclusion
In the meantime, he figures to be a fixture on the infield, even if he’s playing multiple positions, a veteran presence that can help out a young team. Rojas’ debut is a positive step for the White Sox as they continue their rebuilding process. With his ability to play multiple positions and bring energy to the team, he can be a valuable asset for the remainder of the season.
FAQs
- Q: When did Josh Rojas make his White Sox debut?
A: Rojas made his debut more than a month after the start of the season due to an injury. - Q: What positions does Rojas expect to play for the White Sox?
A: Rojas expects to play second base, shortstop, and third base. - Q: How does Rojas’ return impact the White Sox’ rebuilding project?
A: Rojas’ return helps the roster look more like what the front office expected during the winter, but the team’s long-term goals are still focused on rebuilding. - Q: Can Rojas be a trade asset at the deadline?
A: Yes, if Rojas performs well, he could be a valuable trade asset for the White Sox at the deadline.
