Miguel Rojas had a short first stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers as he was traded to the Miami Marlins prior to the 2015 season after appearing in just 85 games.
When Rojas was traded back to the Dodgers from the Marlins prior to the 2023 season, Clayton Kershaw was the only familiar face remaining from his rookie season with the team.
While the infielder’s quick exit from the Dodgers the first time around didn’t leave a whole lot of time to form a connection with Kershaw, the two share a bond through the times they were on the field together.
“I feel like when I first got here, I saw him as a superhero, like you see on TV, and you see what he’s been accomplishing the last couple years,” Rojas said, describing his relationship with Kershaw.
“And then 2014, I got the opportunity to be in one of his most special games as a pitcher, and being part of that no-hitter, getting my first start with him on the mound, and getting my first base hit and all that. I mean, that’s really cool.”
Since re-joining the Dodgers for a second-stint, Rojas and Kershaw have formed a great friendship over the past three years.
“The thing that I’m going to take with me is that relationship in the clubhouse, coming every single day to see how he prepares, see how much he cares for everybody in the clubhouse,” Rojas said.
“And I feel like, after baseball is over, I told him last night, he’s going to have a friend here for forever, and whatever he needs to do, I’ll be here for him.”
Rojas described Kershaw’s final start at Dodger Stadium as a great day for the organization, the baseball community, and the future Hall of Famer himself.
The veteran infielder said the only thing left to do now is give Kershaw a worthy sendoff by defending their title as World Series champions.
“We’re happy that he’s at peace with his decision, and he’s ready to step away from the game after the year is over,” Rojas said.
“And hopefully we can actually do something else that’s cooler than just winning that game yesterday. Winning the World Series will be a great memory for him to retire on that note.”
Miguel Rojas wins 2025 Roy Campanella Award
Miguel Rojas was named the winner of the 20th annual Roy Campanella Award, which is annually given to the Los Angeles Dodgers player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
It’s the second straight season Rojas has received the honor, joining Kershaw (2013-2014) and Justin Turner (2019-2020) as the only Dodgers to win back-to-back Roy Campanella Awards.
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