Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas Now Thinking More About Defensive Shift Limits Following Weird Play
The 2023 season saw multiple new rules implemented into Major League Baseball, including one directly dealing with defensive shifts. We haven’t heard too much controversy about this rule, as opposed to others, but it recently did play a part in a game.
In the Dodgers game against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night, shortstop Miguel Rojas made a play in the sixth inning on a ground ball that looked pretty routine. It was a nice play from the infielder but was immediately challenged by San Francisco interim manager Kai Correa.
Correa believed that Rojas started the play with his feet on the outfield grass, which is no longer allowed under the new rules. The Giants won the challenge, and the batter went back to the plate instead of being ruled out.
Now, Rojas knows that he needs to be more careful, especially with the playoffs coming up next week.
“I never want to start on the grass. I know the rule. I need to be with both feet on the dirt. I’m aware of all that,” Rojas said. “But I don’t want to give myself too much room for not getting to that ball where he hit it. I’ve got to be able to play on that line. I probably was touching with my heel. I’ve been playing like that the whole year. It’s kind of a desperate move to go challenge those plays. I don’t think it’s right because we’re all playing the same game. Their shortstop is doing kind of the same thing.”
Per The OC Register
The inning after the play happened, Rojas was hit by a pitch and was forced to leave the game. The hit-by-pitch was met with anger by members of the Dodgers, as they believed it was retaliation from San Francisco. Luckily, his X-rays were negative, and they seemed to avoid any major injury.
“It surprised me (when it was challenged) because I think I’ve been doing the same thing for the whole year. With that being said, that’s the lesson I learned today. I need to be careful more.”
Per The OC Register
It was a petty move by Correa that gave his team another chance to make a play, but also shows something so simple as this could have an effect down the stretch. It’ll be interesting to see how these new rules play out in the playoffs, and hopefully, LA will learn from this mistake.
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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