The Dodgers continued their rocky second half with a series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The deciding game featured a controversial interference call regarding Miguel Rojas’ tag at third base.

After Alex Vesia allowed a leadoff double to Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh lined a bunt to left, where Kiké Hernández threw the ball to Rojas, who applied the tag while Bohm’s leg collided with Rojas’. Third-base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt called obstruction against Rojas, prompting Dave Roberts to confront the umpire and receive his first ejection of the season.

Rojas disagreed with the decision but understood why it was made, noting that he didn’t mean to hurt anyone when tagging, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

“I know the rule. I’m not trying to block the sack,” Rojas said. “I’m not trying to hurt anybody. I’m not trying to hurt the other player or get in the way just because I think that’s my only way to get him out. I’m just trying to make a shot. And if you see the replay, he definitely hit my foot, but my foot is kind of on the other side of the sack.”

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When Mookie Betts was given the task of being the primary shortstop at the start of the season, he didn’t complain and went to work honing his skills at his new position. Now, for the first time since being signed by the Dodgers in 2020, Betts will be the No. 2 batter in the starting lineup going forward.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register points out that Betts will do whatever it takes to create a successful product, even if it means giving up his role as the Dodgers’ leadoff man.

Betts said there is a “huge difference, a huge difference” in where he pitches in the lineup. “But that doesn’t matter,” he said. “When the lights come on, it doesn’t matter. You have to be ready to go. And I’ll be ready to go.”

Enos Sarris of The Athletic writes about Tyler Glasnow’s increased use of his sinker and also emphasizes horizontal rather than vertical movement in his throws.