The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2026 season chasing the rare feat of completing a three-peat after winning back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025.
Los Angeles' Opening Day lineup against the Arizona Diamondbacks featured the usual suspects, including the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, with the addition of top-tier free-agency acquisition Kyle Tucker slotted second in the batting order.
One decision in that lineup, however, was an unexpected and thus carried added meaning.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made the call to include Miguel Rojas in his card ahead of the opener against Diamondback's Zac Gallen.
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Rojas is entering the final and 13th season of his MLB career at age 37, and he was included as the starting second baseman despite typically not starting against right-handed pitching.
Speaking to reporters before the first pitch, Rojas said Roberts told him about the decision during the team’s final exhibition game.
“During our last exhibition game against the Angels, I was on the bench next to him, and he called me over and he said, ‘You’re starting Thursday,’” Rojas said. “I was speechless and just gave him a big hug … Having that opportunity to be in the starting lineup means a lot.”
Roberts acknowledged that Rojas was visibly emotional when he learned the news, saying, “He was pretty emotional, pretty excited, pretty reflective.”
Rojas himself confirmed his reaction carried into the hours leading up to Opening Day, revealing he couldn't hold up his tears when he was told about it and for the next few hours.
“To be honest with you, I couldn’t stop crying yesterday and this morning,” Rojas said. “It’s going to be my last dance. I just want to enjoy it as much as I can.”
The Dodgers went on to defeat the Diamondbacks 8-2 to open the season, beginning the 2026 in the best possible way.
