Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas Reveals How He’s Maintained Elite Shortstop at the MLB Level

Most professional baseball players would be fortunate to extend their career into their mid-to-late 30s. But, 35-year-old Miguel Rojas has continued to excel as a shortstop despite his age. In an interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Rojas shared how he has maintained a healthy body.

“I found a routine a few years ago that kind of checks all the boxes that I need to be a good shortstop. And taking pride in being a shortstop first,” Rojas told McKain. “For me, if I stop doing that, and the team is not looking at me as the primary shortstop, I’m probably gonna miss a little bit of time on the field. So for me, it’s taking a lot of pride in playing shortstop. I like to play the position, and that’s the position that I always want to play.”

Rojas was a regular starting shortstop for Los Angeles last season, sharing time with Chris Taylor. His innings at shortstop were limited at the beginning of the season as Mookie Betts took over the position. But, a fastball straight into the hand of Betts on June 16 created an opening for Rojas.

The 11-year veteran has displayed an impressive performance since becoming the everyday starter. Now, Rojas needs to stay healthy to ensure he remains the everyday starter after Betts returns.

Rojas’ plan to stay healthy is simple.

“Working smarter, not harder,” Rojas said.

For Rojas, this means limiting his ground ball reps and being precise with all of his training.

“I’m 35 years old now. And then, when you’re mid-30s, your mind is racing, and your mind is telling you you can do so many things, but at the same time, you got to listen to your body,” Rojas said to McKain. “I’m kind of understanding a little bit more how that term works, because a lot of people told me in the past, ‘You got to listen to your body,’ but I never knew how. Now I understand a little bit better, and I kind of have to look myself in the mirror and ask for help.”

For Rojas, being an everyday shortstop is his main goal. This goal drives him to continue to playing despite being one of the oldest players on the team.

“What drives me to come to the field every single day is to play shortstop and be an everyday shortstop,” Rojas said. “I think that’s the reason why I continue to play, and I lead because I take a lot of pride in how the organization is going to view me. And I don’t want them to look at me as a utility guy or a backup player. I want them to know that they have a shortstop sitting on the bench.”

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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