Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Believes the Shift Ban Will Make Miguel Rojas Shine at Shortstop
When people talk about the MLB’s new shift rules, the focus is always on the batters. Everyone likes to look at which hitters were most affected by it, and predict who’s going to have a much better 2023 season. However, something that seems to be forgotten about is the impact on the defensive side of the ball.
Without the shift, the infield defense up the middle will be as important as ever. You can’t just place people where you think the batter is going to hit the ball — they need to be able to get there on their own. So an athletic shortstop and second baseman are as crucial as ever, which is why the Dodgers are very lucky to have Miguel Rojas this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently spoke about the plus-defense of Rojas, and how much of a positive impact he’ll make without the shift (per Matthew Ritchie of MLB.com).
“I think it’s really going to show itself without the shift this year,” Roberts said about Rojas’ stability at shortstop. “And so, not only getting to baseballs, but the ability to finish plays with arm strength and accuracy. With the numbers, as far as defensive WAR, whatever the statistics may be, he’s going to be right at the top — he’s a plus, Major League shortstop.”
Most teams would be in deep trouble after losing their starting shortstop for the season with a torn ACL. However, the Dodgers were very lucky to have traded for Rojas a few months back, as he instantly becomes one of the team’s most important players.
It was nice to see Rojas understand the significance of moment, and decide to remain with the Dodgers instead of playing in the World Baseball Classic, something he was very much looking forward to doing. But Rojas knows his role is crucial for the Dodgers’ success this season, so he wants to spend as much time as he can getting his chemistry down with his new teammates and improving his all-around game.
Rojas is the team’s starting shortstop and, unless they make a trade, he’s going to be the guy for the full season. While the team is giving up a little on the offensive side of the ball, Dodger fans will very quickly fall in love with Rojas the more they watch him on defense.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
