Dodgers Updates: Andy Pages and Miguel Rojas in Starting Rotation
Andy Pages has emerged as a significant player for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Notably, he ranks second on the team in home runs, only behind Shohei Ohtani. He is also positioned among the top four on the team in various statistics, including runs batted in (RBI), batting average, stolen bases, and total bases.
What makes Pages’ story unique is the distance from his family, who reside in Cuba. Due to stringent travel restrictions between the U.S. and Cuba, his family is unable to watch him play in person. Pages, once a highly sought-after prospect in Cuba, completed a challenging journey through Guyana, Curacao, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic before signing with a major league team. In total, he has only been back to Cuba once, during the winter of 2023.
Miguel Rojas: A Shared Struggle
Teammate Miguel Rojas shares a similar experience, as his family still lives in Venezuela. Rojas acknowledges the difficulties faced by players like them. “But we signed up for this,” he stated. Rojas emphasized the importance of pursuing their dreams and fulfilling the aspirations of their families. He believes Pages’ achievements are significant not only for him but for his family as well.
Team Dynamics and Motivation
While other players celebrated victories with their families, Pages found motivation in his situation. He expressed a commitment to continue performing well and to make his family proud, stating, “We have to keep going.”
Dodgers’ Starting Rotation
This season, the Dodgers have also faced challenges with their starting rotation. Injuries forced them to adapt several times. However, currently, all four starting pitchers are healthy, gearing up for the World Series. The team’s rotation includes:
- Blake Snell
- Shohei Ohtani
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Tyler Glasnow
As the season progresses, analysis from MLB.com highlights their performances leading up to the World Series. Amid much discussion amongst fans about the Dodgers’ financial investments, insights from USA Today reveal that success comes not only from financial resources. Strategic trades, nurturing homegrown talent, and transforming struggling players into stars have been crucial for building this team.
As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, both Pages and Rojas remain driven by their personal journeys, symbolizing resilience and determination within the sport.