Miguel Rojas Overcomes Injury to Deliver Heroics in Dodgers’ Game 7 Triumph
Battling a painful injury, Dodgers veteran Miguel Rojas hit a dramatic game-tying home run in the ninth inning to help Los Angeles capture its second consecutive World Series championship with a 5–4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
The Los Angeles Dodgers sealed their second straight World Series title in unforgettable fashion, rallying late to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5–4 in Game 7 on Saturday night. At the center of the comeback was an unlikely hero: veteran second baseman Miguel Rojas. With his team down to its final outs, Rojas launched a game-tying solo home run off Toronto closer Jeff Hoffman in the top of the ninth, igniting a surge that carried the Dodgers to another championship.
It was the type of clutch performance that defined Los Angeles’ postseason — steady leadership, timely hitting, and an unwavering belief in the moment. For Rojas, it was also deeply personal. At 36 years old and in his 12th big-league season, the Venezuelan infielder has long been known more for his glove than his power. But on baseball’s biggest stage, he provided the swing that changed everything.
What made Rojas’ performance even more remarkable was the condition he was in when he took the field. Less than 24 hours earlier, the veteran had reaggravated a lingering intercostal injury while turning a game-ending double play in Game 6. The on-field celebration that followed only made things worse, leaving his status for the decisive Game 7 in serious doubt.
“The fact that Rojas was on the field Saturday was far from a certainty earlier in the day,” wrote Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times. Yet, after testing his swing and movement pregame, Rojas made the call to play — a decision that would become a defining moment in his career.
1. Playing Through Pain and Pressure
Rojas’ injury wasn’t new. He had first tweaked his side earlier in the postseason, missing several games before returning during the World Series. When he felt the pain resurface during Friday’s celebration, there were real concerns about whether he could suit up again. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts reached out the morning of Game 7 to check on his status, leaving the decision in Rojas’ hands. “Doc was texting me and asking if I could go,” Rojas recalled. “I told him, ‘Hey, let me get to the stadium and hit [to see].’” After taking swings in the cage and testing his range in the field, he declared himself ready — even if not at full strength. When the game began, Rojas stayed composed, grinding through each at-bat. By the time the ninth inning arrived, the Dodgers trailed 4–3 and were down to their last few chances. That’s when Rojas delivered one of the biggest hits of his career, driving a Hoffman fastball into the left-field seats to tie the game and send the visiting dugout into chaos. “The game honors you, and right there the game honored him,” Roberts said afterward, praising his veteran infielder for his toughness and leadership. “He’s a guy who’s done everything right all season. For it to come full circle like that — you can’t script it better.”
2. Dodgers Cement Their Modern Dynasty
Rojas’ heroics set the stage for Los Angeles to complete the comeback and capture back-to-back championships — the first team to do so since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000. It marked the culmination of another dominant campaign for the Dodgers, who overcame injuries, adversity, and immense expectations to once again finish on top. “This is a legacy that is gonna be remembered forever,” Rojas said after the win. “I don’t know if this is the best team ever assembled or anything like that. You guys tell me after. But it’s pretty close to being one of the best teams ever.” For Rojas, the night was about more than a championship. It was a testament to perseverance — a moment earned after years of quiet professionalism and steady play. His ninth-inning blast will go down as one of the most memorable swings in Dodgers history, a defining highlight of a series already filled with dramatic turns. As champagne sprayed in the clubhouse and teammates celebrated around him, Rojas took a moment to reflect. For a player who once wondered if he’d ever reach this stage again, the reward was worth every bit of pain. “To be part of this group, to be part of this history — it’s everything you dream about,” he said.