Bits & Pieces by Don Eskins“The Long Road Back,” Trevor Rogers Resurgence

Finding a home in Major League Baseball is tough. Staying there, even tougher. Former Cavemen hurler Trevor Rogers can certainly attest to that.

Only 27 years old, the Cavern City phenom has already experienced the highs and lows of being a major leaguer.

As a 13th first-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2017, runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors, and a National League All-Star selection in 2021 (his first full year with the Marlins), he registered a record of 8-0 with an ERA of 2.64. Rogers’ future with the Marlins appeared to be bright.

However, the former Caveman lefty’s fortunes would soon take a turn for the worst.

For the next three years, hampered by injuries, he bounced up and down between the major and minor leagues.

On July 30, 2024, the Marlins traded Rogers to the Baltimore Orioles. However, the injury bug that had hampered him in Miami followed him to Baltimore. In his abbreviated first year with the Orioles, he posted a record of 0-2 with an ERA of 7.11.

But Rogers’ future looks bright once again. In 2025, he’s currently 5-2 with an ERA of just 1.44. He’s back! But getting back for the 6’5” 220 lb. southpaw has been a long and tough road.

While Rogers has received support from his family, friends, and the community of Carlsbad during his three-year slide, nobody has been happier about his resurgence than.....

Just a Phone Call Away

Bonding between coaches and their athletes is, no doubt, one of the biggest perks that comes with the profession. Often, during the short time they spend together, coaches and their charges can build relationships that last a lifetime.

Such is the case for former Cavemen head coach Cody May, winner of three state championships during his tenure at CHS, and hurler Trevor Rogers. The former Blue Clad was under the tutelage of May and his program from 2013 through 2017. During 2016, the Cavemen enjoyed a state championship season.

The former Cavemen skipper—through phone calls and attending his games—has been following and supporting Rogers throughout his career. Recently, he traveled to Dallas to watch Trevor pitch against the Texas Rangers.

“Getting to watch him play at the top of his game again was really special. On that day, he threw a two-hitter against the Rangers in six innings of work to get the win. In eight or 10 appearances this season, he’s 5-2 with a phenomenal earned run average of just 1.44,” said the former CHS coach. “Since being called back up by the Orioles, he’s one of the top three or four pitchers in the league.

“For an athlete who’s experienced so much success early in his life, it’s hard to imagine just how difficult the past three years have been on him. But through it all, he’s grown and matured a great deal. He’s got his health back and appears to be on track once again,” said May.

“Watching him succeed on the mound again has been exciting. As his former coach, I couldn’t be more proud of him.”