Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Has High Expectations for Miguel Rojas in Postseason
When the Dodgers acquired veteran infielder Miguel Rojas from the Miami Marlins last offseason, never did they expect that he would be taking the field as their everyday shortstop. The plan for him was always to use his services as depth options, but an injury to infielder Gavin Lux changed everything.
He was forced into the starting lineup and given more time than the team would like to admit. The veteran hasn’t lived up to expectations at the plate this season, but his defense and leadership have been two things that have kept him alive in the rotation.
Things have been better lately for Rojas offensively, but the team is still wondering what the future holds for him in the postseason. They’d rather not have someone who is almost a guaranteed out take at-bats in big games, but the reality is that he will likely have to.
However, manager Dave Roberts has the ultimate confidence in Rojas. He even made a bold claim regarding the infielder for the playoffs.
“He will get big hits for us this postseason,” Roberts said. “I’m certain of it. I believe it. I see it.”
Per The Athletic
This is high praise from Roberts, but also a good way to keep his player’s confidence level high. Roberts is the ultimate players’ manager, so this checks out with him.
Every year in the postseason, we see role players get hot for a certain stretch of games, and it helps their team ultimately win it all. Why can’t that be Rojas this time around?
On the year, he is hitting .226 with three home runs and 25 runs batted in. They don’t play him for his offense so anything he can provide is an added benefit.
Rojas has been around the game for quite some time, but he doesn’t have a ton of playoff experience. However, ignorance can be bliss in this situation, and he just needs to play his game and allow things to come to him.
The Dodgers believe in him, his teammates believe in him, so the praise from Roberts may be bold but could end up being justified.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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