Miguel Rojas having cat-like reflexes and tremendous arm strength were a factor in earning his sixth career Play of the Week Award.
Additional Play of the Week candidates for the period of June 1-7, 2026, were Drew Gilbert’s home run robbery, Ernie Clement’s run-saving diving play, MJ Melendez’s diving catch, Trea Turner’s barehanded play, Tommy Troy’s full-extension diving catch, Edwin Arroyo’s sliding stop in his MLB debut, and Wilyer Abreu’s outfield assist.
Rojas was recognized for his outstanding play during the third inning of the Freeway Series opener at Dodger Stadium. With the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers scoreless in the third inning, Rojas ranged from second base over to shortstop to make a barehanded play on a chopper that skipped off Roki Sasaki’s glove.
“It ricochet’s off his glove, there’s no way,” Joe Davis said on the SportsNet LA broadcast. “Oh, my goodness! So close. How in the world was it even that?”
Play of the year? pic.twitter.com/RgGwzj6y7x
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 6, 2026
Nick Madrigal was ruled safe at first base but the Dodgers successfully challenged the call.
“Did…he…possibly…do it? Oh, my gosh!” Davis exclaimed as it was being reviewed.
Orel Hershiser added, “He’s out, and it’s a lifetime highlight for Miggy Ro.”
“Another?” Davis asked.
“Another,” Hershiser emphatically stated. “World-class athletes at their test. Tell me it’s not a beautiful game.”
Rojas is potentially in the final season of his career and has backtracked off initial comments about retirement plans. He now is waiting to see if the Dodgers can three-peat, and if so, Rojas plans to speak with his family about possibly returning in 2027.
In addition to Rojas’ impressive effort, Freddie Freeman made a terrific stretch at first base that nearly took him into the full splits. Freeman later made an impact by hitting a walk-off home run in the ninth inning.
The walk-off homer was Freeman’s third of his Dodgers career, but first in the regular season. It also ensured the Dodgers remained the only team yet to play an extra-innings game this season.
Miguel Rojas adds to Dodgers’ Plays of the Week
Rojas received his first Play of the Week honor and sixth for the Dodgers organization by five players since the award’s inception in 2019.
Previous Dodgers to win Play of the Week are Mookie Betts (Aug. 3, 2020 and April 19, 2021), Chris Taylor (Aug. 10, 2020), AJ Pollock (Aug. 30, 2021) and Justin Turner (July, 18, 2022).
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