In a surprising turn of events at Dodger Stadium on April 12, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a crushing defeat against the Chicago Cubs, ending the game with a staggering score of 0-16. However, amidst the overwhelming loss, Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas brought a light-hearted moment to the field with his unique pitching performance.
With the game already out of reach, Rojas, 35, took the mound in the eighth inning to save the bullpen from further exhaustion. The decision came after the Dodgers had fallen behind by 11 runs, prompting Rojas to borrow the glove of 26-year-old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Rojas's unexpected appearance on the mound turned into a theatrical display as he entertained fans and teammates alike.
Rojas began his stint by mimicking Yamamoto’s pitching style, showcasing a compact delivery that allowed him to throw sliders around 50 miles per hour (approximately 80 km/h). His first victim was Cubs player Bush, who flew out to center field. Rojas continued his performance by imitating 27-year-old pitcher Landon Knack, successfully getting Swanson to fly out to right field. Despite allowing a hit, Rojas managed to retire the side, completing the eighth inning with just one hit and no runs scored against him.
However, the ninth inning proved to be more challenging for Rojas. He switched gears to imitate Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw, 37, but allowed a double to Cubs player Miguel Amaya right off the bat. Even with a runner on second and no outs, Rojas persisted, adopting the form of 23-year-old pitcher Roki Sasaki. This time, he threw a curveball that reached a speed of 39.6 miles per hour (approximately 64 km/h), but it was hit deep into left field.
After allowing the hit, Rojas reverted to his normal pitching style. Unfortunately, he faced further trouble as he gave up a timely two-base hit to right field with runners on first and second and one out. In total, Rojas pitched two innings and allowed five runs, but his performance was met with smiles from both the Dodgers and Cubs benches.
Rojas's antics were a bright spot in an otherwise bleak game for the Dodgers, who saw their starting pitcher, Roki Sasaki, perform admirably with a solid five innings pitched, allowing only one run. However, the bullpen faltered, with Ben Casparius, 26, surrendering six runs in just 1 2/3 innings, and Luis García, 38, giving up a home run to Amaya in the eighth.
The atmosphere in the stadium shifted from frustration to amusement as Rojas's playful imitations provided a much-needed distraction from the scoreline. Fans and teammates alike appreciated Rojas's ability to lighten the mood, demonstrating the camaraderie that exists within the team even during tough times.
This game marks a significant moment in the early 2025 season for the Dodgers, as they continue to grapple with their performance and seek to bounce back from this defeat. As the season progresses, Rojas's unexpected pitching cameo may serve as a reminder of the fun and unpredictability that baseball can bring, even in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will need to regroup and address their pitching depth, especially with the challenges faced in the bullpen during this game. The Cubs, on the other hand, will carry the momentum from this commanding victory as they continue their campaign in the competitive National League.
