The Los Angeles Dodgers unleashed a 14-2 beatdown on the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in the first game of the World Series rematch.
Up by 13 runs entering the ninth inning, the Dodgers decided to have a little fun.
Per the rules, they could save their bullpen and instead put a position player on the mound.
So who did they choose? Who else but Miguel Rojas, the hero of Game 7 of the World Series.
If he hadn’t broken the hearts of Blue Jays fans enough with his ninth-inning home run and key throw to home plate in Game 7 of the 2025 Fall Classic, Rojas was back in 2026 to rub salt in the wound.
Apr 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas (72) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays at during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesHow Did Miguel Rojas do as a Pitcher?
Rojas, who’s in his planned last season in Major League Baseball, threw 18 pitches, eight of which were strikes.
Of the six batters he faced, Rojas threw only one first-pitch strike.
He gave up a hit and an earned run, and he walked a batter as well.
This isn’t Rojas’ first time on the mound. He’s pitched 10 innings over nine games, and he’s never recorded a strikeout.
He has a WHIP of 2.00 and ERA of 9.00.
Compared to MLB pitchers, Rojas’ stats are far from impressive, but given that he pitches in situations like the 13-run lead he had Monday night, the damage he could do is limited.
That one run he gave up wasn’t nearly enough to overcome the Dodgers’ 17 hits, including five home runs.
He even had teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto jokingly picking up pitching tips from him.
And it wasn’t as if only one pitcher got shelled by the Dodgers. Five different Blue Jays gave up at least one earned run.
What is Next for the Dodgers and Blue Jays?
The Dodgers (8-2) and Blue Jays (4-6) face off again Tuesday evening in Toronto.
First pitch for that game is set for 4:07 p.m. Pacific Time.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound for the Dodgers, while Kevin Gausman will pitch for the Jays.
Rojas is expected to start at shortstop, according to Max Ralph of MLB.com.
LA Baseball Report
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