When Gavin Lux went down with a torn ACL in 2023 during Spring Training, Miguel Rojas stepped up. Rojas took over the Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop role successfully.
This year though, when Lux returned and struggled at the position, the Dodgers turned elsewhere for help as the position. Instead of using Rojas to replace Lux, the Dodgers opted to have Mookie Betts take over the shortstop position.
Rather than harp on the Dodgers’ decision to replace Lux with Betts, Rojas has been nothing but understanding about the Dodgers’ choice.
“I feel the organization has been really honest, transparent and up front,” Rojas said, via The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “They explained to me the reason why they moved Mookie to short.
Remember, when I came here last year, my role was going to be a utility guy, playing all over the field.
We had a second baseman who had (not played much) second base before. Mookie was not ready to move to the infield yet.
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He was trying to switch positions during the year. He wasn’t completely adjusted to playing on the dirt. The organization felt comfortable plugging me in.
Not only has Rojas been understanding, but he’s also stepped up to help Betts adjust to his new position, leading to Rojas improving his own teaching skills.
“I feel like this an opportunity for me to start what I want to do after my career is over,” Rojas said, via Rosenthal. “Helping Mookie, creating that relationship with him as a teammate, I’m thinking about how I’m going to teach others, helping them with my experience. This is a great opportunity for me, not just only to focus on myself, but to focus on helping others.
Still, if the Dodgers need Rojas to step in at shortstop at any point, he’s ready. “I’ll always be ready to play shortstop, every single day.”
The 35-year-old shortstop has appeared in 12 games this year so far. He’s hit .280 with two home runs and four RBIs.
