Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas Reveals He’s Switching Jersey Numbers for Roki Sasaki
After speculation surrounding an Instagram story from Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas Sunday, there is finally an answer to the question of whether or not Rojas was giving up his No. 11 to rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki.
Rojas confirmed in an email to The Big Lead’s J.P. Hoornstra that he will be giving up his jersey number for Sasaki. He will switch to No. 72, the same number he wore during his rookie season with the Dodgers in 2014.
“I hope giving him the number helped getting him to sign with us,” Rojas said via email.
Other notable Dodgers to wear No. 11 include A.J. Pollock, Logan Forsythe, Josh Reddick, Jimmy Rollins, Manny Mota, Carl Erskine, and Dixie Walker.
More news: Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas Hints at Jersey Change to Give Up Number for Roki Sasaki
Sasaki, who announced Friday he was signing his first Major League Baseball contract with the Dodgers, wore No. 17 for his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. While playing for Samurai Japan at the World Baseball Classic in 2023, he wore No. 14.
Rojas could not confirm whether or not the Dodgers had officially assigned No. 11 to Sasaki yet. That decision, traditionally, is between the Dodgers’ clubhouse manager and the player. The front office could also have some input.
Sasaki chose the Dodgers after weeks of interviewing with several teams. His final three suitors were reportedly Los Angeles, San Diego, and Toronto. His commitment to the Dodgers was announced via social media.
“I have signed a minor (league) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers,” Sasaki announced on Instagram.
“It was a very difficult decision, but I will do my best to make it the right decision when I look back after my baseball career.”
Across four seasons in the NPB, the right-hander went 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA. He also had an impressive 505 strikeouts to just 88 walks across 394.2 innings pitched.
More news: Roki Sasaki Signs With Dodgers Over Padres, Blue Jays in Monumental Signing for LA
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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