Miguel Rojas Scores Run One Day After His Father Died

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas was in the team’s lineup just one day after his father died. 

Rojas announced on Instagram that his father died of a heart attack on April 7. Rojas played in the Dodgers game on April 8, where they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3. 

It’s unknown how old the father of the 37-year-old infielder was. However, Rojas described the heart attack as “surprising” on Instagram. His father was living in their home country of Venezuela. His father died shortly after being taken to the hospital. 

Despite the loss, Rojas scored one of the Dodgers’ three runs when he got on base with a walk. This was Rojas’ first game since April 5.

Will Smith was a major contributor to the Dodgers. He got on base four with two hits and two walks. Ultimately, the Blue Jays were able to get more offensive production. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two hits and a walk in the Blue Jays’ victory. 

Rojas is generally a bench player, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wanted to get Rojas into the game to honor his dad. Shohei Ohtani honored his teammate’s father by putting “MR” on his cap. 

The Dodgers lost the final game of the three-game set against the Blue Jays. However, they won two of three games against the team they faced in the 2025 World Series.  

The Dodgers have gotten off to a 9-3 start, which puts them in first place in the National League. The Dodgers entered this season with a lot of expectations. They are repeat champions and signed 2025 All-Stars Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz in the offseason. 

Despite playing on April 8, Rojas will likely go on bereavement leave. He will likely miss the series against the Texas Rangers, which starts on April 10.