Joshua Rojas Aspires To Be Next Jack Of All Trades

Maybe more than any other major league team, the Astros appreciate versatility. Manager A.J. Hinch enjoys the luxury of maneuvering his bench late in games or giving position players occasional starts at designated hitter.

Having multiple players who can play more than one position allows for that flexibility, and some guys are asked to add this versatility after they enter the organization. During the first month of the minor league season, for example, speedy center field prospect Myles Straw is being exposed to shortstop at Triple-A Round Rock.

Other players enter the Astros’ system equipped to play everywhere. Foremost among them is Joshua Rojas, a University of Hawaii product who most embodies the characteristics.

A 26th-round pick in the 2017 who signed for $1,000, Rojas was the only position player from his draft class to garner a non-roster invitation to major league spring training. Rojas arrived with four gloves, much to Hinch’s delight. Rojas draws the “dirtbag” label from some within the organization, endearing himself for the willingness to play everywhere.

Ascending the Astros’ farm system is difficult enough for anyone. For an infielder, the task is almost impossible. Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa are all entrenched at the major league level until 2022.

In his first three seasons at Hawaii, Rojas played second base. He switched to third base as a senior and, when the Astros selected him, Rojas was listed there.

In 106 games at Double-A Corpus Christi last year, Rojas started at least 10 games at five different positions. Nine other starts came at shortstop, the most recent addition to Rojas’ rotation around the diamond. He’s played both corner outfield spots, too.

The delayed springs from both Altuve and Bregman allowed Rojas early Grapefruit League playing time. He has a hit-over-power profile from the left side, but the career .264 hitter is cognizant his bat alone will not move him up the system.

“If I want my bat in the lineup,” Rojas said this spring, “the best way to do that is to play multiple positions.”

SPACE SHOTS

— Former top prospect A.J. Reed, now on the injured list with an oblique strain, had a miserable start to his 2019 season in Triple-A. Reed struck out 19 times in his first 43 at-bats while mustering just two extra-base hits.

— Top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley has a 6.55 ERA in his first three Triple-A starts, but he has struck out 13 batters in 11 innings.