Rojas has primarily played third and second base in seven big league seasons.
With the recent injury to third baseman Maikel Garcia, the Kansas City Royals made a move to give themselves more infield depth.
The Royals announced they selected the contract of infielder Josh Rojas before Thursday's game. The veteran had spent the season in Triple-A Omaha.
To free a spot on the roster, the Royals transferred infielder Jonathan India to the 60-day injured list. India underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in April. The team also placed right-hander Stephen Kolek on the family emergency list.
The addition of Rojas to the roster gives the Royals some flexibility among the infield in the short term. Garcia's injury was not enough for the team to put him on the injured list, but the team prefers to be cautious with him as he is currently day-to-day.
Rojas has been a productive infielder across seven seasons in the major leagues, but has struggled in his past couple. His most recent stint came with the Chicago White Sox, where he appeared in 69 games and just 34 hits.
The 31-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he was a versatile piece and took everyday at bats in 2021 and 2022. The next season, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he also contributed nicely. The Royals had signed Rojas to a minor-league contract in January.
In 174 at bats at Triple-A Omaha this season, he has posted a .247 batting average, hit six homers and knocked in 26 RBI. But over the last month, Rojas has hit .303 with a 12.9% strikeout rate and has improved his power numbers — five of his homers have come in the last 20 games.
Rojas has primarily split time at third and second base in his career. It is no secret that Garcia is the team's primary third baseman, but adding Rojas to the roster provides them with a temporary solution if needed.
Upon Garcia's return from his hamstring issue, Rojas is likely to spend time at third base and slot into the mix at second base, where Michael Massey and Nick Loftin have played most. If the Royals choose to play Garcia while nursing his hamstring, Rojas can be valuable for the team when Garcia needs a day off.
Garcia was not inserted in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Minnesota Twins, but he is available off the bench, according to manager Matt Quatraro.
Should Rojas stick with the big league team, he would be slated to be a free agent at the conclusion of the season.
