Dodgers news: Miguel Rojas, Alex Vesia, Andy Pages

LOS ANGELES – Alex Vesia was expected not to be named to the Dodgers' roster for the National League Championship Series because he likely won't be able to face the Mets. Removing Miguel Rojas from the NLCS roster was a more difficult decision.

The Dodgers are hoping Vesia's intercostal injury and Rojas' adductor tear will heal enough to make the World Series roster should the Dodgers advance.

Rojas took part in drills during Saturday's practice at Dodger Stadium and wanted to play, but leaving Game 3 against the Padres with more adductor discomfort and then missing the final two games of the NLDS tipped the scales to caution in the NLCS.

“It was obviously difficult. We are a much better team because Miguel Rojas is part of our work. He impacts the game in a lot of different ways,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Sunday. “But just the exacerbation of the situation, the diving into defense and the compromise of range and the importance of getting it right.”

If Rojas had remained active for the NLCS and then gotten injured again, being removed from the roster mid-series would also make him ineligible for the World Series. Similar to how Michael Grove is ineligible to pitch during the NLCS as he was replaced on the roster due to his shoulder injury while the NLDS.

While Rojas rests, the Dodgers plan to have Tommy Edman start every game at shortstop, freeing up center field. In Game 1 it goes to Kiké Hernández. Dave Roberts also said that Gavin Lux is unlikely to start with left-hander Sean Manaea starting for the Mets in Game 2, and that Andy Pages may be in the game to start. In that case, Kiké Hernández would likely start at second base with Pages in center.

Freddie Freeman's sprained ankle continues to be monitored, but the Dodgers also wanted more roster flexibility if Freeman exits a game or fails to maneuver. For this reason, outfielder Kevin Kiermaier was added to the squad.

“With Freddie, he has some physical ability to potentially move in the outfield, left field with a lead, you just have to have pieces that you can kind of mix and match,” Roberts said.