In an unusual twist during a challenging game, Dodgers' infielder Miguel Rojas took the mound in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs, marking a moment of levity amidst a tough 16-0 loss. On April 12, 2025, Rojas, who was initially on the bench, stepped in to pitch after the Dodgers had already conceded 11 runs, a season worst for the team.
Rojas borrowed the glove of fellow pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and showcased his skills in a light-hearted manner, mimicking the pitching styles of several notable players. The game was well out of reach, prompting the Dodgers to allow a position player to pitch—a common practice in Major League Baseball when the outcome seems decided.
In the eighth inning, Rojas managed to keep the Cubs scoreless, much to the amusement of his teammates and the fans. He recorded two flyouts and a groundout, showcasing a surprising ability to handle the situation with humor and skill. "There’s nothing to laugh about," broadcaster Toshiyuki Uchiyama remarked, but the crowd found plenty to chuckle about as Rojas executed his mimicry.
However, the ninth inning brought a different story. Rojas continued to pitch and decided to imitate left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw's form. Unfortunately for him, this playful approach backfired, as he allowed five runs on seven hits during the inning. The highlight of the ninth came when Rojas attempted to channel the dynamic style of Roki Sasaki, which resulted in a painful two-run home run hit by Kerry, further compounding the Dodgers' woes.
Rojas's pitching appearance was his fifth in his career, with his last outing on the mound dating back to September 14 of the previous year against the Braves. This unusual role as a pitcher showcased his versatility and willingness to entertain, even in the face of a significant loss.
Earlier in the game, the Dodgers' starting pitcher Sasaki had put forth a commendable effort, throwing five innings and allowing just one run on four hits. His performance was overshadowed by the struggles of the relief pitchers, particularly Ben Casparius and Luis Garcia, who combined to allow 10 runs in less than two innings of work.
Casparius, in particular, had a rough outing, giving up six runs on seven hits in just 1 and 2/3 innings, while Garcia allowed four runs on three hits in a mere third of an inning. The lack of support from the bullpen led to the Dodgers experiencing their first double-digit loss of the season, a stark contrast to the expectations for a team with playoff aspirations.
Despite the overwhelming defeat, Rojas's antics on the mound provided a much-needed distraction for the Dodgers and their fans. Social media lit up with reactions, with fans expressing their amusement at Rojas's mimicry and playful spirit, even as the team faced a daunting challenge on the field. Comments such as "Rojas is hilarious! Mimicking Yoshinobu in an official game is incredible!" and "Rojas pitching is a riot!" echoed the sentiments of those watching the game.
As the game concluded, the Dodgers were left to regroup and reflect on the lessons learned from this humbling experience. They will need to address their pitching depth and find ways to bounce back from such a heavy loss. With the season still in its early stages, there’s plenty of time for the Dodgers to turn things around.
Looking ahead, the team will aim to strengthen their pitching staff and improve their performance on the mound. The return of key players from injury could provide the boost they need to regain their footing in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
As for Rojas, his unexpected role as a pitcher may have opened the door for more light-hearted moments in the future, reminding everyone that even in the toughest of games, there’s always room for fun and camaraderie. The Dodgers will be eager to put this game behind them and focus on their next matchup, hoping to return to winning ways.
