Johan Rojas Reportedly Tests Positive For Performance-Enhancing Drug
Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas have examined optimistic for a performance-enhancing drug, in keeping with reporter Wilber Sánchez in addition to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Heyman says Rojas might be interesting the ruling. Players face an 80-game suspension for a first-time optimistic take a look at for PEDs. There has not but been any formal announcement relating to Rojas from Major League Baseball or the Phillies.
Rojas, 25, has performed for the Phillies on the main league degree in every of the previous three seasons. Broadly talking, he has been a speed-and-defense man who does not present a lot worth from the batter’s field.
He has appeared in 250 video games with 51 steals in 58 makes an attempt. He has logged 1,714 innings in middle discipline and has been credited with 22 Defensive Runs Saved and 18 Outs Above Average. But in 699 plate appearances, he has simply six house runs and a .252/.294/.340 batting line. That interprets to a 74 wRC+, indicating he has been 26% under league common as a hitter in his profession general.
Despite his expertise, the shortage of offense reduce into his enjoying time with the Phillies. He was basically an on a regular basis middle fielder in 2024, showing in 120 contests. He held that job for a part of the 2025 season however the Phils acquired Harrison Bader on the deadline, which led to Rojas getting optioned to the minors for the ultimate two months of the schedule.
Bader grew to become a free agent at season’s finish and ultimately signed with the Giants nevertheless it did not appear as if the Phillies had Rojas as a outstanding piece of their 2026 plans. It was reported fairly early within the offseason that he was obtainable in commerce talks because the Phils deliberate to provide prospect Justin Crawford a shot on the middle discipline job.
Rojas was doubtless going to be relegated to a fourth outfielder position. He additionally has an choice remaining and will have been despatched down for normal enjoying time on the Triple-A degree. A suspension would reduce into his potential to serve in both position. He can proceed to play in the course of the appeals course of nevertheless it’s unclear if the Phils will preserve utilizing him in spring video games, per Charlotte Varnes and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. He was going to take part within the World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic group however dropped out final week.
Although Rojas had fallen down the depth chart, it could be a notable loss for the Phillies if Rojas is in the end suspended. Their roster is sort of sturdy however the outfield appears to be like like one of many weaker factors. As talked about, Crawford goes to get a shot on the middle discipline job, regardless of having no main league expertise but. The Phils have plugged Adolis Garcia into proper discipline, hoping for a bounceback after two down years. Brandon Marsh is an honest left fielder however wants a platoon associate since he is terrible towards lefties. Otto Kemp Could be Marsh’s platoon associate, though he has way more expertise as an infielder than as an outfielder.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Pedro Leon are additionally on the 40-man roster. Both have choices and are lined as much as begin the season within the minors. Rincones hasn’t but made his main league debut and The Athletic notes that he’s at the moment not enjoying as a result of ongoing knee issues. León is a waiver claimee who has simply seven huge league video games underneath his belt. Bryan Dela Cruzwho slashed .191/.240/.213 in restricted motion final 12 months, is in camp as a non-roster invitee.
It’s not an particularly sturdy group on the entire and dropping Rojas would skinny it out additional. If the Phils need to add earlier than Opening Day, guys like Tommy Pham and Andrew McCutchen are at the moment free brokers. Some different guys may even shake unfastened within the coming weeks as groups make their closing roster choices when spring coaching winds down.
Photo courtesy of Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images
