I don't believe the article said that.
Two quotes from the article:
For example, the work shows that humans are more closely related to rodents than to dogs or cats.
For example, the work shows that genetically humans are more closely related to mice and rats than to dogs and cats.
Nowhere in the above article does it say rats were closer than pigs.
If you linked all of the way to the original and paid for the article as it directs, please share the relevant passage with us that supports your statement.