Dodgers Fans Outraged by Miguel Rojas’ Performance in Humiliation Against Cubs

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team brimming with World Series expectations and a star-studded roster, found themselves at the center of a media and fan firestorm following a staggering 16-0 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs on April 13, 2025. This loss wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill bad day at the office—it was a full-on unraveling in front of a home crowd, and one that saw veteran infielder Miguel Rojas become the focal point of fan outrage.

While no single player shoulders the blame for a blowout of this magnitude, Rojas’ performance—marked by lackluster at-bats, poor defensive instincts, and visible frustration—stood out in the worst way. For many fans, it was the final straw in what’s been an underwhelming start to the season for the utility infielder.

Let’s dive deep into what happened, how Rojas became the scapegoat, the team dynamics at play, and where the Dodgers go from here.

The Game: A 16-0 Collapse at Chavez Ravine

On paper, the April 13th matchup was expected to be another notch in the win column for the Dodgers. Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, the Japanese sensation with a fastball that routinely touches triple digits, was on the mound. The Cubs, by contrast, were seen as an upstart squad, dangerous but not dominant.

The early innings played out quietly, with Sasaki holding the Cubs to just one run through five innings. Then the floodgates opened. Over the course of the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, the Dodgers bullpen surrendered 14 runs. Every call to the bullpen seemed to dig the hole deeper. The Cubs feasted on mistake pitches and outfield gaps, ultimately tallying 21 hits.

Carson Kelly homered twice. Michael Busch, the former Dodgers prospect, hit a home run and two doubles. Miguel Amaya and Ian Happ added more fuel to the fire. But beyond the pitching implosion and the offensive firestorm from the Cubs, the real lightning rod for criticism came in the form of Miguel Rojas.

Miguel Rojas: From Steady Veteran to Target of Fan Frustration

Miguel Rojas, long known for his glove-first profile and clubhouse leadership, has always been seen as a reliable if unspectacular piece of the roster puzzle. But his performance against the Cubs exposed just how little margin for error remains for him in this hyper-competitive Dodgers lineup.

Rojas finished the game 0-for-4, striking out twice, grounding into a double play, and popping out weakly in his final at-bat. At the plate, he looked overmatched, often late on fastballs and guessing wrong on breaking balls.

But it wasn’t just his offense that frustrated fans—it was the defense, too.

In the sixth inning, with the Dodgers still within striking distance at 3-0, Rojas botched a routine double play opportunity by hesitating on the turn. That extra step allowed the Cubs to extend the inning, leading to a three-run rally that broke the game wide open.

On social media, fans were quick to pounce.

“I’m done with Rojas. His bat is a liability, and now his defense is slipping too. What’s the point?” – @DodgerFan1977 on X

“How does Miguel Rojas still have a roster spot when we’ve got prospects rotting in OKC?” – Reddit user /u/BleedsBlue

“It’s not just one game. Rojas has been a black hole for a month now.” – commenter on True Blue LA

This wasn’t an isolated sentiment—it was widespread.

Rojas in 2025: Decline or Cold Start?

To be fair, the criticism is rooted in more than just one bad game. Through the first three weeks of the 2025 season, Rojas has been batting just .182 with a .232 OBP and no extra-base hits. His defensive metrics, once elite, have also taken a hit—posting a negative defensive runs saved (DRS) through his first 15 games.

By contrast, young infielders like Miguel Vargas and Trey Sweeney have been tearing it up in Triple-A Oklahoma City, creating a louder chorus calling for change.

Rojas, 36, was never expected to carry the offense. His value was supposed to lie in his sure hands, veteran presence, and ability to make contact and move runners over. But in a season where the Dodgers are trying to patch a leaking bullpen and are already dealing with injuries to key starters, every weakness becomes magnified.

Managerial Perspective: Dave Roberts Defends His Player

After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked directly about Rojas’ performance and his place in the lineup.

“Miggy’s a professional. He’s been around this game a long time,” Roberts said. “We’re not going to overreact to one game. He’s still a leader in that clubhouse and a guy who knows how to play winning baseball.”

That comment, while predictable, did little to calm the fanbase. Many felt that Roberts’ loyalty to veterans like Rojas and Chris Taylor—who has also struggled mightily at the plate—was holding the team back from giving younger players more opportunities.

Clubhouse Dynamics and Rojas’ Role

What makes the Rojas situation even more complex is his role as a clubhouse leader. Players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman have all praised Rojas for his leadership, particularly in the wake of losing several veterans in recent years.

But leadership only takes you so far when your on-field performance is faltering.

Internally, there’s been speculation that Rojas’ continued presence in the starting lineup is due to more than just loyalty—it’s about chemistry, mentorship, and intangibles that don’t show up in the box score. However, that theory wears thin when the team is on the wrong side of a historic 16-0 shutout.

Fan Reactions: Boos, Memes, and Open Letters

At Dodger Stadium, you rarely hear loud boos for one of their own. But in the bottom of the eighth inning, after Rojas popped out weakly with two runners on base, a noticeable groan filled Chavez Ravine. A few isolated boos followed. On Twitter and Reddit, the frustration exploded into a meme storm.

Images of Rojas swinging wildly with captions like “When the bat is just for decoration” made the rounds. Others posted fake trade offers suggesting Rojas for “a bucket of balls and a bag of sunflower seeds.”

A Change.org petition even surfaced titled “Start the Kids: Bench Miguel Rojas Now,” gathering over 2,000 signatures in just a few hours.

Is Rojas the Only Problem? A Look at the Bigger Picture

While Rojas’ struggles are undeniable, he’s far from the only underperforming Dodger. Chris Taylor is hitting below .100. The bullpen—particularly Brusdar Graterol and J.P. Feyereisen—has been shaky. Even stars like Max Muncy have started slow.

And despite having Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman healthy and producing, the team has lacked consistency from the bottom half of the order. James Outman and Jason Heyward have cooled off, and the team is struggling with runners in scoring position.

This isn’t a Miguel Rojas problem—it’s a Dodgers problem. But in a city where expectations are sky-high, someone always gets blamed first, and this time it’s the aging shortstop.

What Comes Next? Options Moving Forward

The Dodgers face some pressing questions as they look to rebound from this embarrassing loss. Chief among them: What to do with Miguel Rojas?

1. Reduce His Role

The easiest fix would be to keep Rojas on the bench and use him primarily as a late-game defensive replacement or mentor. This would allow younger players to take on more of the load.

2. Call Up a Prospect

Both Miguel Vargas and Trey Sweeney are lighting it up in Triple-A. Giving one of them a shot could bring a spark to a lethargic bottom half of the lineup.

3. Make a Trade

While unlikely this early in the season, the Dodgers could look to flip Rojas for bullpen help or an upgrade at another position. With his contract being modest, he may appeal to a contending team looking for veteran depth.

4. Stay the Course

Given the small sample size and Rojas’ reputation in the clubhouse, the Dodgers may simply ride out this slump and hope he finds his form again by summer.

A Test of Patience and Perspective

The Dodgers’ 16-0 loss to the Cubs will go down as one of the most embarrassing defeats in recent memory—not just because of the score, but because of how listless the team looked in every phase of the game. Miguel Rojas’ struggles, while not solely responsible, became a symbol of a larger malaise plaguing the team.

Whether Rojas can turn it around or not, the Dodgers must find answers—and soon. With the NL West heating up and teams like the Braves and Phillies rolling, there’s no room for prolonged slumps or sentimental loyalty.

For now, fans want accountability, energy, and a spark. And unless Rojas can provide that soon, his days as a starter in Los Angeles may be numbered.