Miguel Rojas making progress from injury for Miami Marlins

Miguel Rojas was having a breakout year for the Miami Marlins before breaking his thumb. While the infield remains on the disabled list, his injury is getting better.

It has been that kind of season for the Miami Marlins. Blow-by-blow, the Marlins have been assaulted by a litany of injuries. Notably, the left side of the infield is without a number of players who were on the opening day roster.

Of the players missing, none were having a better start tot he season than Miguel Rojas. After serving in a mostly reserve role to begin his career, Rojas was beginning to push Adeiny Hechavarria for a starting spot at shortstop.

Rojas was on pace to set career highs in every notable statistical category; including hits, walks, batting average, slugging percentage, and on base percentage.

The 28 year old, Venezuelan shortstop needed surgery to repair the thumb that he broke sliding into third base against the New York Mets. On Thursday, he appeared on the Marlins pre game show with Craig Minervini to talk about his injury, and the ongoing recovery process.

For now, it appears that Rojas’ projected return date is just before the All-Star break. The exact date will likely will depend largely on the Marlins place in the standings. If the team finds themselves out of the race and sellers at the deadline, there would be no reason to rush him back.

The infield lately and beyond

In the wake of Rojas’ absence, they’ve made several moves to help pad their infield depth. The Fish acquired Nick Noonan in a trade with the Brewers, then picked up Christian Colon off the waiver wire. Noonan remains in triple-A, while Colon made his debut for the Miami Marlins in the opening game against the Dodgers.

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Regardless of when he is back, the Marlins are more than a Miguel Rojas away from being a contending ball club. If they kind find someone to take his contract, Rojas’ return would mean that Martin Prado could be dealt. While the Fish aren’t in full-sale mode yet, continued struggles could change that.

Rojas will get every chance to prove that he can be an everyday player at the Major League level. Miami Marlins infield coach Perry Hill certainly thinks so. The legendary fielding guru has said that he believes Rojas could win a gold glove at any position in the infield.

With Hechavarria arbitration eligible in 2018, and a free agent in 2019, his future with the team is tenuous. If they are able to get anything worthwhile in exchange for him, they will pull the trigger. The Fish want Rojas to win the job given that he isn’t a free agent until 2021.

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Injuries have put everything on hold, and for the time being, this is the team.