Ohtani goes for series sweep in Toronto – Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers are looking to match their win total at the Skydome from last year’s World Series with a matinee affair with the Blue Jays.

Today’s #Dodgers lineup at Blue Jays: pic.twitter.com/aqv5CO2NSm

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 8, 2026

Afternoon baseball! #BlueJays50 pic.twitter.com/M7YSnjZeQO

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 8, 2026

Normally, the biggest story would be “Shohei Ohtani is the starting pitcher” — and it might still be. But the Dodgers and Miguel Rojas, specifically, are playing with a heavy heart today.

#Dodgers SS Miguel Rojas announced on Instagram that his father, Miguel Rojas Sr., suddenly passed away yesterday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/lQy1f9LjwB

— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) April 8, 2026

Professional athletes are built differently, because I couldn’t imagine playing baseball the day after one of my parents died. Everyone handles grief differently, and Rojas’ mechanism is to do what he knows best — baseball.

And this makes it even tougher.

Miguel Rojas said he spoke with his father yesterday afternoon. Said he was looking forward to watching #Dodgers game that night. Miggy got another call 40 minutes before game time, saying his father suffered a heart attack. Miguel Sr. died on the way to the hospital

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 8, 2026

Best wishes to the Rojas family.

Also, best wishes to the Davey Lopes‘ family, as the Dodger stalwart died earlier today at age 80.

The Dodgers mourn the loss of Davey Lopes, who passed away today at age 80. Lopes was a member of the team’s record-setting infield of the 1970s and 1980s and one of the finest basestealers in MLB history. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/dJkOk0CWbP

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 8, 2026

Safe home.

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The aforementioned Ohtani is making his second start of the season. His first was pretty good:

He also has a 42-game on-base streak as well as a 22 2/3-inning scoreless streak (if you don’t count the postseason, of course).

Other than that, a pretty typical lineup. With an off day tomorrow, expect most everyone to be available today.

First pitch is basically now.