🚨 HEARTBREAK IN DODGER BLUE: Miguel Rojas Plays Through Grief After Sudden Loss of His Father 👇
TORONTO, Ontario — Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, a veteran and beloved leader of the club, was noticeably absent from the lineup on Tuesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays after learning of his father’s sudden death on April 7th in Venezuela following a heart attack, a devastating personal blow that sent shockwaves through the team and baseball world alike.
The news came just 40 minutes before first pitch on Tuesday, prompting the Dodgers to scratch Rojas from the lineup as he began the difficult process of coming to terms with the loss and connecting with family back home.
Despite the grief and distance — Rojas was in Toronto for the series and thousands of miles from Venezuela — the 37‑year‑old star made the emotional decision to rejoin the team and play in Wednesday’s contest, choosing to step onto the field as a tribute to his father’s memory and what he said his father would have wanted.
Rojas shared his heartbreak and motivation in a heartfelt message, explaining that “my dad would have wanted me to play,” honoring the man who supported his baseball dreams from the earliest days of his career.
The emotional scene was amplified in Toronto as several Dodgers players paid tribute by inscribing “MR” — his father’s initials — on their caps before the game, a gesture of solidarity that mirrored the deep respect and brotherhood within the clubhouse.
Rojas, who has etched his name into Dodgers lore through years of clutch performances, including the unforgettable game‑tying home run in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, took the field in the series finale, batting ninth and manning shortstop in a game that carried far more weight than the final score.
“Mi papá hubiese querido que jugara”.
Miguel Rojas se enterĂł anoche de que su padre habĂa fallecido repentinamente en Venezuela; sin embargo, pidiĂł jugar hoy en homenaje a su memoria. pic.twitter.com/IM7nQBkaxL
— MLB Español (@mlbespanol) April 8, 2026
In Wednesday’s 4‑3 loss to Toronto, Rojas went 0‑for‑3 at the plate, but he did draw a walk and even scored a run for his club, showing his unwavering competitive spirit despite the emotional turmoil he was enduring.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team expects Rojas to take bereavement leave soon, as MLB’s policies allow for time away to be with family following such a loss, and noted that Rojas made the decision to return to the lineup on his own, a testament to his professionalism and commitment to his teammates.
Before news of his father’s passing, Rojas had been slated to start on Tuesday at shortstop, but with his absence, Hyeseong Kim took his spot in the lineup while Rojas tended to urgent family matters.
The Rojas family’s pain is compounded by logistical challenges, as Venezuelan funeral traditions often require swift arrangements, leaving little time for travel and farewells for family members abroad — a reality Rojas acknowledged in reflecting on the rapid sequence of events.
The Dodgers organization and fans alike have rallied around Rojas, offering prayers, support, and love during this incredibly difficult period, recognizing his long and impactful career as much for his leadership as for his on‑field achievements.
Rojas’ career has been defined by resilience and clutch performance. Signed originally by the Dodgers and having played key roles with the Miami Marlins before returning to Los Angeles, he is widely respected across the league for both his defensive prowess and his ability to rise to big moments.
“Mi papá hubiese querido que jugara”.
Miguel Rojas se enterĂł anoche de que su padre habĂa fallecido repentinamente en Venezuela; sin embargo, pidiĂł jugar hoy en homenaje a su memoria. pic.twitter.com/IM7nQBkaxL
— MLB Español (@mlbespanol) April 8, 2026
Last season, Rojas was a central figure in the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the Blue Jays, launching a dramatic game‑tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7 — a moment that will forever be remembered in franchise history.
Despite the emotional weight of the loss and the inherent difficulty of playing so soon after receiving such news, Rojas’ decision to take the field speaks volumes about his character: a consummate competitor who never shies away from challenges, on or off the field.
As the Dodgers prepare to move forward — now set to play the Texas Rangers in a three‑game series — the hope among teammates, coaches, and fans is that Rojas will be able to find some measure of peace and strength with his family, and return to the clubhouse when ready, carrying his father’s memory with him.
Miguel Rojas’ story this week is more than a box score — it’s a reminder of the human spirit within sports, and how players sometimes choose the field as a place of connection, tribute, and courage amid personal loss.
