Miguel Rojas sparks the Dodgers offense
09/16/2024 11:13 PM
by Megan Garcia
Miguel Rojas — hitting behind five Dodger All-Stars — had one hit on Monday. Yet Monday was indicative of how valuable he has been to the team as he sparked the lineup in a 9–0 win against the Braves.
The 35-year-old infielder was a tough at-bat for the Braves pitching staff. He earned two walks and scored three runs. It was his second three-run game this season.
"He brings grit, he brings fight," Manager Dave Roberts said. "He really exemplifies what I expect of a ball player."
After earning a walk in a six-pitch plate appearance, Rojas stole third base during a Freddie Freeman at-bat in the third inning. Then, he capitalized on a wild pitch by Braves starter Max Fried and scored the Dodgers' first run.
In the fifth, Rojas lined a single to right field to drive in Tommy Edman. He scored later in the frame on a groundout from Shohei Ohtani.
Rojas then jumpstarted the six-run seventh inning when a six-pitch plate appearance against reliever Daysbel Hernández resulted in a walk.
His baserunning played a part once again when he beat the throw to home plate on a fielder's choice.
"Tonight, he won us a ball game," Roberts said. "Whether it's his two-strike approach against Fried or the baserunning … that's just how much he cares and how much he loves to play the game of baseball."
The Dodgers earned a series split against the Braves on Monday in Atlanta, outscoring the Braves 18–2 after losing the first two games and being outscored 16–3.
Yamamoto Continues to Build
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's second start since returning from the injured list continued to show promise for his place in a potential postseason starting rotation.
Yamamoto was set to a pitch count range between 75–80 pitches against the Braves. He threw 72. The righty didn't allow a run throughout his four innings pitched. He gave up four hits, struck out three batters and walked two.
He navigated around traffic on the basepaths as each inning started with a walk or a hit. The Braves went 0-for-11 against Yamamoto with runners in scoring position.
The Braves went 0-for-15 against the Dodger bullpen.
Barnes Placed on Injured List
Austin Barnes was placed on the injured list with a fractured left big toe. This is the second IL stint for Barnes with the same injury this season.
Hunter Feduccia was recalled to replace Barnes on the active roster. He went 10-for-34 in nine games with Triple-A Oklahoma City after he was optioned on Aug. 29. Feduccia slashed .284/.409/.428/.837 with six home runs and 50 RBI in 82 games at the Triple-A level this season.
Where They Stand
The Dodgers (89–61) begin a three-game series against the Marlins (55–65) in Miami on Tuesday. The Dodgers extended their lead in the division to four games over the San Diego Padres (85–65), who are playing against the Houston Astros.
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