Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas Plans to Be More Careful with Limits of Defensive Positioning

For the entire 2023 season, Miguel Rojas played excellent defense at shortstop, saving baserunners and runs for his pitchers. No opposing manager ever complained about his positioning until Friday night when the interim San Francisco Giants’ manager protested about Rojas’ positioning. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost an out because New York found Rojas’ heels on the grass.

This angered and embarrassed Rojas, and he plans to be careful about his positioning. There is a rule saying no infielder should stand on the grass before the pitch is delivered.

Rojas talked about this.

“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.

“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.”

Rojas is an integral part of the Dodgers, and he must perform well in the playoffs if the Dodgers want to be in the World Series.