Miguel Rojas Has Been Crucial in Turning Around Dodgers’ Infield Defense

Critics of the Los Angeles Dodgers knew the lineup on the field would be able to produce runs but the question mark surrounded the defense. Would the defense be able to protect the lead?

Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas has taken it upon himself to become an extra infield coach alongside Dino Ebel and Chris Woodward. He has worked extensively with Gavin Lux, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy.

“I give him a lot of credit because understanding your role on a ball club is really important,” manager Dave Roberts said of Rojas in Mike DiGiovanna’s story in the Los Angeles Times. “Everyone wants to play every day, but to feel you can do things that are additive, that help your teammates and help us win baseball games … he’s done that.

“Mookie would be the first to tell you that if it wasn’t for Miguel, he wouldn’t be where he’s at right now. And for Muncy and Lux, seeing a player like Rojas pride himself so much on defense and getting off the ball, throwing it over there accurately, having the intensity and the focus every pitch, that’s contagious.”

Muncy wouldn’t be where he is without Rojas either.

“Miggy Ro comes up to me every single day and tells me the things I’m doing well, the things I’m doing wrong — he’s holding me accountable,” Muncy said. “And I think Mookie would say the same thing, that Miggy has been kind of our second infield coach next to Dino and has been trying to help us out as much as possible.”

The concerns coming into the season were legitimate but as the season progresses, they have dissipated. Entering Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers have saved 25 defensive runs which is second in the league behind Kansas City. The middle infield and third-base spots have combined for 12 defensive runs saved.

Defense wins championships and if the Dodgers are the last team standing at the end of this season, Rojas will deserve a lot more credit than what his stats will say on paper.

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

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