Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas’s Plus Defense Has Impressed His Manager
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The Dodgers needed reassurance in their infield, so they traded for former Dodger Miguel Rojas. Rojas' presence will be felt in the Dodger lineup following the tragic Gavin Lux injury.
Nonetheless, Rojas will do all he can to make up for Lux's production on offense and defense. Miguel's strong suit is on the defensive end, and even at 34 years old, he still is able to hold his own.
Los Angeles Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts spoke with LA Times writer Mike DiGiovanna and said Rojas is even better on defense than he thought.
“It’s better than expected,” Roberts said of Rojas’ defense. “I always thought he could defend in the middle of the field, but just to see how engaged he is, his jumps on the baseball, the arm strength, the accuracy … it’s a plus major league shortstop, and it’s showing itself now without the shift. To have a guy out there who can really defend and who’s rangy, it’s going to play big for us.”
Although Rojas has never won a Gold Glove award, he is known for his versatile and stellar defense. He spent his first season in the big leagues with LA and the next eight with the Miami Marlins, and he left Miami second all-time in franchise history in defensive wins above replacement (dWAR). Overall, Rojas has a dWAR of 8.3 and a .980 fielding percentage at the shortstop position.
The 34-year-old showed flashes this spring training of his fantastic glove and will continue to do so throughout the season. Get used to number 11 at the six position and make web gem after web gem, Dodger fans.
