Miguel Rojas has been mourning the sudden death of his father since Tuesday night but remained with the Los Angeles Dodgers to end their road trip and still was with the team as they started a homestand Friday.
Manager Dave Roberts initially suggested Rojas was likely going to be out of the lineup for the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays, but the veteran instead chose to honor his father by playing. Rojas did acknowledge the possibility of going on bereavement once the Dodgers were back in Los Angeles, but he has decided against that as well.
“There’s a lot going on in Venezuela, and a lot of his family is kind of dispersed all over the world, essentially,” Roberts said. “And he just feels they’ve got a handle on it down there. So he’s going to stay with us.”
Rojas was not in the lineup for the series opener against the Texas Rangers but did enter as a pinch-hitter and reached on an infield single. Rojas went on to play the final three defensive innings at shortstop.
Had Rojas chosen to take bereavement leave, it would have required him to be off the active roster for a minimum of three days, but no more than seven. One factor that potentially was taken into account was Miguel Rojas Sr. getting buried on Wednesday due to traditions in Venezuela.
Another plausible reason that could have influenced Rojas into remaining with the Dodgers is some of the unrest in his home country. The Venezuelan winter league suspended play following the United States taking military action in Caracas.
Edgardo Henriquez, a Venezuelan native, had been pitching for La Tiburones de la Guaira, and Dodgers prospect Eduardo Quintero also spent some time with the team. That prompted the Dodgers to check in and offer any assistance.
Venezuelan winter league games resumed in early January but the Caribbean Series was moved from Caracas to Guadalajara, Mexico, because of travel concerns.
Dodgers honor Miguel Rojas’ father
With Rojas on the field alongside him, the Dodgers chose to pay their respects by writing “MR” on their caps. That came after holding a toast and prayer in his honor the night before as well.
“I’m sure it’s been a tough day for Miggy, and he showed up today, made some really good plays, and you just want to make sure that he’s well supported,” Shohei Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton on SportsNet LA.
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