Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas delivered a passionate defense of his performance after facing criticism from fans for the team’s struggles in the postseason. As tensions ran high, Rojas addressed fans directly on social media, responding to blame placed on him for Los Angeles’ loss to the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of their playoff series.
The incident unfolded just hours before the Dodgers extended the series with an 8-0 win in a do-or-die Game 4 on Tuesday, October 8. However, prior to the win, Rojas, 35, found himself defending his efforts after a viral Instagram Reel accused him of being a key reason for the previous night’s loss.
The post, captioned “YEAH MACHADO OUT ON THE GRASS WAS WACK, BUT MIGUEL ROJAS IS A HUGE REASON FOR THE L YESTERDAY,” caught the veteran shortstop’s attention, prompting him to engage with the criticism in a series of fiery comments.
Rojas didn’t hold back in his first response, expressing frustration over the notion that fans believe the players aren’t giving their all. “You think you guys are the only ones who want to win this sh–? Every single one of the players and people in this clubhouse are doing everything to f—ing win,” Rojas wrote. “It’s not because of the f—ing effort. We’re doing everything possible. If that’s not enough for you guys, I understand all you want is a victory after the final out. Nobody in this s— is lost. We’re playing to win, not to be the reason for the f—ing L.”
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The tension escalated further as Rojas followed up with a second message defending a specific play that had drawn widespread criticism. In Game 3, Rojas made a “mental mistake” during a crucial moment, choosing to take the ball to second base himself rather than tossing it to second baseman Gavin Lux. This decision allowed the Padres to extend their lead to 3-1, a moment that many fans zeroed in on as a key reason for the loss.
Rojas acknowledged the mistake but defended his intentions. “Yeah, one f—ing mental mistake. I wish I would’ve passed the ball and gotten one out, but my f—ing sorry a– was trying to do everything possible to get two f—ing outs,” Rojas admitted. “Yeah, I f—ed that decision up, and you can blame me for the f—ing reason of the L.”
Rojas’ responses reflect the pressure that athletes face, particularly in high-stakes playoff moments, where a single decision can shift the momentum of an entire series.
Despite the criticism, Rojas’ comments underscored his commitment to the team’s success and the emotional toll that comes with such scrutiny.
After the Dodgers’ win in Game 4, which forced the series to return to Dodger Stadium for Game 5, the focus now shifts back to the team’s performance on the field.
With Rojas and the Dodgers still fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive, the shortstop’s willingness to defend himself shows the intensity of the playoff atmosphere, both on the field and off.
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