Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas fails PED test, facing 80-game suspension, per report

Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas have examined optimistic for a performance-enhancing drug and faces an 80-game suspension, based on the New York Post. Rojas is interesting the suspension, but when he is held up he faces a suspension that’ll value him round a half-season of wage.

Rojas, 25, hit. 224/.280/.289 (57 OPS+) with 12 stolen bases in 172 plate appearances throughout 71 video games final season. He had a promising begin to his profession, slashing .302/.342/.430 with 2.4 WAR in simply 59 video games in 2023, however has been disappointing since.

The anticipated plan getting into the season for the Phillies was to have Rojas both backup or platoon with rookie Justin Crawford in middle area. Adolis García is ready to take over in proper area whereas Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp play left area. Marsh can swing over to middle if want be whereas Edmundo Sosa can get some reps in left area. In different phrases, the Phillies have choices to take care of the lack of Rojas.

It’s additionally potential this suspension would open the door for somebody like Bryan Dela CruzPedro León or Gabriel Rincones Jr. to make the Opening Day roster, too.

The Phillies have made the playoffs in 4 straight seasons, in addition to having secured back-to-back NL East titles. They received 96 video games final season, their finest regular-season whole since 2011.

Players suspended for PED use are ineligible for the playoffs, even when their suspension has ended by then, so Rojas is not going to be out there if the Phillies make the postseason.

The information of Rojas’ failed drug check comes as Braves DH Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension for his own failed testhis second in his profession.