Los Angeles Dodgers player Miguel Rojas graced the field again on Wednesday, returning after the unexpected loss of his father, Miguel Rojas Sr.
Rojas’ father suffered a heart attack at his home in Venezuela on Tuesday, creating a profound sense of shock. Their last communication was a photo shared just moments before, depicting Miguel Sr. ready to watch the Dodgers take on the Blue Jays.
In a brief statement before Tuesday’s game, the Dodgers announced that Rojas was scratched from the lineup due to this tragic event.
Per The Athletic, family members tried reaching Rojas around 40 minutes before the game but did not get a response. They then sent a text informing him that his father had been rushed to the hospital.
In the face of personal grief, Rojas showed incredible determination to take the field. Yet, first baseman Freddie Freeman and manager Dave Roberts persuaded him to step back and take the time he needed.
“With immense sorrow on behalf of the entire Rojas family, I must inform all those who had the privilege of knowing and spending time with my father, Miguel Rojas — known as ‘Micky’ — that he passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon, April 7th,” Rojas expressed on his Instagram Stories, translated into English.
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out to me and my family to offer their love and let us know just how deeply cherished my father was throughout his life. May God welcome him into His glory, and may he rest in peace.”
The Dodgers rallied in support of Rojas, displaying “MR” on their caps during Wednesday’s game, marking his return to the field.
Though Miguel Sr. never had the chance to witness his son play for the Dodgers live, he spent his winters in Venezuela with Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, where Rojas won a winter ball championship.
“He lived baseball through me,” Rojas noted, as cited by The Athletic. “He was never able to come to the United States to watch me play baseball in the big leagues. That’s why he was one of the reasons I came back to play winter ball every offseason.”
