Quick Facts
Biography
Melquíades Rojas Medrano (born December 10, 1966) is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) relief pitcher. From 1990 to 1999, he played for the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers of the National League and the Detroit Tigers of the American League.
His best season was in 1992, when he posted a 7-1 record in 68 relief appearances. Rojas had an amazing 1.43 ERA in 100.2 innings, and a WHIP of 1.043. He primarily was the set up man for closer John Wetteland (37 saves in 1992), but Rojas was able to accumulate 10 saves that season.
On May 11, 1994, Rojas struck out three batters on nine pitches in the ninth inning of a 4-3 win over the New York Mets.Rojas became the 19th National League pitcher and the 28th pitcher in Major League history to accomplish the Immaculate Inning.
Mel Rojas joined Sinon Bulls of Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan in 2004, played 11 games, posted 3 saves with 1.20 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 15 innings, but then was released by the team after the season ended.
Mel Rojas is the nephew of Felipe, Jesús, and Matty Alou and the cousin of Moisés Alou.
Mel Rojas' son, Mel Rojas Jr. was selected 84th overall in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is currently playing for the KT Wiz of the KBO League.