The Los Angeles Dodgers are without Mookie Betts for the forseeable future, but Miguel Rojas has stepped in nicely to the starting role at shortstop.
Rojas has been a much needed revelation for the Dodgers in his 11th season. More so known for his work with the glove, he has been a pleasant surprise with the bat in his hands this season. In 48 games, he is hitting .277/.319/.431 with a 114 wRC+ this season, which is far and away his best mark since the 2020 season.
Rojas now has the opportunity to show what he can do with the everyday job at shortstop, but the loss of Betts was still a tough pill to swallow, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“It affected me a lot,” he said. “I don’t ever want to see Mookie go down like that, because I know his desire and drive to be great.”
The Dodgers plan to manage Rojas’ time as their everyday shortstop to help keep him healthy, and the 35-year-old is aware of the extra work he needs to put in to play every day.
Kiké Hernández is expected to fill in at shortstop for Rojas when he needs a day off, but Hernández is also filling in at third base, along with Cavan Biggio, while Max Muncy is out.
There always remains the possibly of a trade for a shortstop happening down the line before the trade deadline passes, but for now, the job is Rojas’ to lose and the Dodgers will need more of the same from him going forward if they want to keep pace in the National League without one of their best players.
Miguel Rojas made swing adjustments
Rojas credits his offensive success this season to an adjustment he made with his hands while hitting, which was discovered through some work with the hitting coaches.
“If I use them right, I’m going to be successful,” Rojas said. “If I try to stop them, I’m not going to be good. We found something there. It’s really hard to be consistent with it, but I’m trying to stay disciplined with my work in the cage, and when I get the opportunity to work outside on the field.
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