Dodgers' Miguel Rojas Plays After Father's Passing

Veteran infielder honors his father's memory by returning to the field a day after his death.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:13pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of muted blue, green, and brown hues, conveying the fractured emotions of a veteran player returning to the field after a personal tragedy.Rojas' emotional return to the field after his father's passing reflects the fragmented, complex emotions of a veteran player honoring his family legacy.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who is 37 years old, decided to play in Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays just a day after learning of his father's sudden passing in Venezuela. Rojas said his father would have wanted him to play, and he played to honor his father's memory.

Why it matters

Rojas is a 13-year MLB veteran who played a key role in helping the Dodgers win the World Series in 2025. His decision to return to the field so quickly after a personal tragedy speaks to his dedication to the game and his desire to honor his father's legacy.

The details

Rojas was initially a late scratch from the lineup on Tuesday after learning of his father's passing, but he returned to the field on Wednesday. He went 0-for-3 at the plate but did get walked and scored a run in the Dodgers' 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays. Rojas said his father would have wanted him to play.

  • Rojas learned of his father's passing on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Rojas returned to the field and played against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Miguel Rojas

A 37-year-old infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is a 13-year MLB veteran. He played a key role in the Dodgers' 2025 World Series championship.

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What they’re saying

“My dad would have wanted me to play.”

— Miguel Rojas, Dodgers Infielder

What’s next

The Dodgers will move on to play a three-game series against the Texas Rangers after the series with the Blue Jays.

The takeaway

Rojas' decision to play so soon after his father's passing shows his deep commitment to the game and his desire to honor his father's memory. His actions have earned the respect of his teammates and fans alike.