Miguel Rojas went into the 2024 season expecting to fill a utility roll off the bench while also needing to help Mookie Betts in his adjustment to playing shortstop.
Betts had been penciled in for a move from right field to second base, but was flipped over to shortstop amid Gavin Lux’s throwing struggles returning. Betts and Rojas regularly worked together hours before games, but now the veteran infielder has taken over the starting job.
That’s expected to remain the case while Betts recovers from a left hand fracture, and the Dodgers figure to be in strong position for continued success. Entering Tuesday, the Dodgers are 23-0 this season when Rojas has at least one hit.
Kiké Hernández raved about Rojas’ impact after the two factored prominently in the Dodgers’ win against the Chicago White Sox, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“He’s having a great year so far. Numbers don’t lie. When he gets a hit, we win. Everybody knows what he brings with the defense, and he puts up a quality, professional at-bat each and every time. He’s finding the grass, finding some hits. He’s been huge for us.”
While Hernández is well-aware of the impact his teammate has on the Dodgers, he could not shed any insight on their undefeated record when Rojas collects a hit:
“I don’t know. I can’t explain that [expletive]. I cannot explain that. I don’t know.”
Rojas’ latest contributions helped jumpstart the Dodgers in the seventh inning of a scoreless game. His leadoff double was ultimately cashed in by an extra-base hit from Hernández, who scored on a throwing error one batter later.
Overall this season, Rojas is batting .284/.324/.440 with 12 doubles, three home runs and 15 RBI. Rojas’ .764 on-base plus slugging percentage is on track to be his highest mark since 2020.
Dodgers coaches key to Miguel Rojas’ impact?
When recently discussing Rojas’ strong season at the plate, manager Dave Roberts pointed to his work with Dodgers hitting coaches.
“I think sometime in late April, he cleaned some things up mechanically with his setup and being a little bit more handsy, his path is better,” Roberts recently said.
“And he’s ridden that swing out for this whole season. So he and the hit guys came up with something, found something that unlocks something. So he’s playing really good baseball. The intensity, the focus, the energy he brings every night is contagious.”
Rojas elaborated that keeping his hands “loose” is what’s been instrumental.
“If I use them right, I’m going to be successful. If I try to stop them, I’m not going to be good,” he said. “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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