Dodgers News: Jimmy Rollins Former Teammates Ready For Return

After a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Los Angeles Dodgers embark on a six-game road trip against the Philadelphia Phillies and then the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the team’s first stop at Citizens Bank Park, a lot of memories will be brought up concerning the team’s shortstop.

Acquired from the Phillies with his approval, Jimmy Rollins will be making his return to Philadelphia for the first time as a member of another franchise. After spending 15 seasons and winning a World Series ring during his tenure, the middle infielder gave it his all and displayed a true form of professionalism. The 36-year-old achieved a lot of accommodation, including a MVP award, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger award all as a Phillie.

The California native currently does have a few former teammates who still reside with the Phillies, including Ryan Howard and Dominic Brown. Howard was asked about Rollin’s first official return and had nothing but praise for the shortstop, via Jake Kaplan of Philly.com:

I expect [there] to be a lot of cheers,” Ryan Howard said. “He has done a lot of positive things in this city. He helped bring the city a championship, so I would expect a lot of cheers.”

Brown also came to the defense of his former teammate in stating that the future Hall of Famer is a special athlete:

He will get a standing ovation – why wouldn’t he?” Domonic Brown added. “Jimmy is phenomenal guy, as you know, a Hall of Famer, has great numbers and is still doing it.”

Rollins and the Dodgers faced off against the Phillies earlier this season, but it was at Dodger Stadium. He was quoted as saying that the matchup didn’t have much significance yet, but it would when the team traveled to Citizens Bank Park. In that series, the switch-hitter torched up his former team to contribute in a big way.

During a four-game series that started on July 6, Rollins provided a spark for the Dodgers in a crucial series victory. In the series, he had five hits, two doubles, a home run, and five RBIs.

In 100 games played this season, Rollins is batting .216/.272/.359, with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs. Rollins will bat leadoff in the series opener on Tuesday and will be sure to receive an appropriate ovation for all that he has contributed.