Jimmy Rollins on facing Phillies: ‘I’m glad to have gotten out when I did.’

Jimmy Rollins pointing

The Phillies were the only major league team Jimmy Rollins hadn’t played against before this week. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff photographer)

Jimmy Rollins had batted against every current major league team (and the Montreal Expos) before this week — except for one.

The Dodgers shortstop completed his collection in the second inning Monday, when he lined out to Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard to conclude a 10-pitch at-bat. Rollins spent 15 seasons with the Phillies (2000-14) and still leads the franchise in hits, doubles and stolen bases.

Monday was his first chance to catch up with former teammates in his new uniform.

“I cut my ties when I did and I had to leave all that in the past and enable me to move forward and accept who I am as being a Dodger,” Rollins said. “This is where I am today.”

Rollins waived his no-trade clause last December to come to the Dodgers, a team with a lengthy history like the Phillies but with a better chance of contending in 2015. Both mattered to the 36-year-old shortstop.

True to expectations, the Phillies have the worst record in baseball this season. The Dodgers are in first place in the National League West.

“I’m glad to have gotten out when I did,” Rollins said, “but I’m glad to have gotten here.”

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.