In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made headlines with an unexpected decision involving veteran player Miguel Rojas. The Dodgers, known for their busy offseason filled with strategic signings and trades, have further strengthened their roster, but not without moments of tension and uncertainty for some players.
Rojas found himself in a state of panic when he received a late-night message from Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations. Initially fearing he might be traded or released, the veteran player was understandably anxious. In an interview on the Chris Rose Show, Rojas recounted his immediate assumption regarding the worst-case scenario and his reluctance to respond to the message out of fear.
However, when he finally took the call from Friedman, he learned that the nature of the conversation was not about his departure from the team. Instead, the Dodgers were announcing the signing of Roki Sasaki, a highly coveted pitcher from Japan. Sasaki, a top prospect, had expressed a desire to wear the number 11 jersey, which Rojas had been sporting. Friedman reached out to see if Rojas would be willing to relinquish the number for the sake of the young pitcher’s comfort.
Understanding the situation, Rojas did not hesitate to agree to the number change. He expressed his willingness to help facilitate Sasaki’s transition to the team, emphasizing that he saw no issue in giving up the number if it could aid the young talent’s adaptation. To honor his own MLB roots, Rojas opted to wear number 72, the same number he donned during his debut with the Dodgers back in 2014. Initially a temporary choice, this number now carries new significance for Rojas as he continues his career.
In a light-hearted reflection on the number change, Rojas joked that he hopes it brings him renewed energy as he advances in age. Meanwhile, Sasaki steps into the Dodgers’ lineup wearing number 11, a number that may signify the start of a promising era for the young pitcher.
As this story unfolds, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder Rojas’s decision. Did he make the right call in giving up number 11 for Roki Sasaki? The Dodgers organization continues to foster a culture of support and adaptation, and this recent development underscores the camaraderie within the team. With the season ahead, both Rojas and Sasaki will be looking to make their marks on the field, each in their own way contributing to the Dodgers’ pursuit of success.
