The Los Angeles Dodgers are using a platoon at second base till Tommy Edman is able to come off the injured record, however they had a wrinkle on Opening Day as Miguel Rojas was within the lineup.
That was regardless of the Arizona Diamondbacks beginning Zac Gallen. When they despatched Ryne Nelson to the mound on Friday night time, one other right-hander, Alex Freeland was within the Dodgers lineup at second base.
Manager Dave Roberts deciding to incorporate Rojas within the Opening Day lineup left him overcome with emotion given that is his ultimate season, per Jack Harris of the California Post.
“To be honest with you,” Rojas added, “I couldn’t stop crying yesterday and this morning. It’s going to be my last dance. I just want to enjoy it as much as I can.”
Although Roberts took into consideration Rojas was collaborating within the ultimate Opening Day of his profession, the beginning wasn’t merely a ceremonial gesture.
Rojas carried out properly all through Spring Training and that included reverse splits.
In 31 at-bats in opposition to right-handed pitching throughout Cactus League play, he hit .387/.406/.484 with one residence run, three RBI and 6 walks. Rojas has fared higher in opposition to lefties all through his MLB profession, however the distinction in splits is marginal.
Rojas had only one hit within the recreation, however his single within the fifth inning was adopted by a Shohei Ohtani stroll and ultimately led to a run on Will Smith’s infield hit.
The 37-year-old was again at second base for the collection finale in opposition to the Diamondbacks and went 2-for-2 previous to getting pinch-hit for by Freeland.
Once Edman is activated off the IL, Rojas probably will revert extra right into a utility function. But he nonetheless might see loads of time at second base if the Dodgers select to be cautious of their dealing with of Edman’s return.
Mookie Betts critiques Miguel Rojas’ appearing
The Dodgers’ ceremony on Opening Day included Rojas and Freddie Freeman collaborating in a skit with actor Will Ferrell and the group’s World Series trophies from 2024 and 2025.
Freeman and Rojas method Ferrell within the batting cage and retrieve the commissioner trophies from him so as to take them out to the sphere. Ferrell then escorted the Dodgers teammates to the on-field ceremony in a blue Cadillac.
“Freddie and Miggy, it was tough,” Betts joked of his teammates appearing expertise. “They did all proper. I gotta get them in some (appearing) courses.’’
