The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a strategic move to bolster their lineup by signing free agent shortstop Nick Ahmed. This decision comes in the wake of injuries to key players, including Miguel Rojas, who has been placed on the injured list due to a forearm strain. Ahmed’s addition is timely, as he will step into the No. 9 spot in the batting order for the Dodgers’ upcoming game against the San Francisco Giants, his former team.
Rojas’s injury has left the Dodgers in a challenging position at shortstop. Alongside Mookie Betts, who is also on the injured list with a fractured left hand, the Dodgers find themselves with limited options. Enrique Hernandez, who has frequently filled in for an injured Max Muncy at third base, is now the primary shortstop alternative.
Initially, Rojas believed that his sore forearm, which he attributed to swinging a heavier bat during one-handed drills over the All-Star break, would not necessitate a trip to the IL. However, subsequent scans revealed a flexor strain, prompting the Dodgers to take precautionary measures. Manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, stating, “I don’t know the timetable. Some of it could be how he’s feeling. He’s gonna take a handful of days of non-baseball activity to let it subside and then get him back hopefully as soon as possible.” This development underscores the unpredictability of injuries in professional sports.
Nick Ahmed, 34, previously signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants during the offseason. However, after struggling with a batting average of .232 and only one home run in 172 plate appearances, he was released on July 10. Following his release, Ahmed spent two weeks training at his home in Arizona, awaiting another opportunity to contribute to a major league team.
Reflecting on his journey, Ahmed mentioned, “I had some phone calls with some teams, but nothing materialized until last night.” His persistence has paid off, as he now joins the Dodgers during a crucial period in the season.
Ahmed was originally selected in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves but has spent the majority of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Over his tenure from 2014 to 2023, he compiled a batting average of .234 with 70 home runs across 888 games. Ahmed is particularly known for his defensive prowess, having earned two Gold Glove awards, which speaks volumes about his capabilities on the field.
Notably, Ahmed’s release from the Diamondbacks occurred just three weeks before the end of the 2023 regular season, a time when the team was gearing up for a remarkable run to the World Series. This unexpected turn of events has given Ahmed a renewed sense of purpose as he embarks on this new chapter with the Dodgers.
As Ahmed prepares to face the Giants, he will be going up against his good friend, Giants starter Robbie Ray, who is making his season debut. This matchup adds an intriguing layer to Ahmed’s return to the field, as he aims to make a positive impact on his new team.
While Ahmed acknowledges the uncertainty of his tenure with the Dodgers, he remains focused on the present. “We didn’t talk too much about that,” he stated regarding the potential length of his stay with the team. “Obviously things change all the time. I’m just here focusing one day at a time and trying to help us win games.” This mindset is crucial as the Dodgers navigate the challenges posed by injuries and strive for success in the latter part of the season.
The Dodgers’ decision to sign Ahmed not only addresses an immediate need in their lineup but also reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the league. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how Ahmed integrates into the team and contributes to their quest for playoff success.
