Main League Baseball introduced on Monday that Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has acquired an 80-game suspension after testing constructive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Main League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Therapy Program. It was reported a few weeks in the past that Rojas had examined constructive for a PED, however that he was interesting. It now seems the appeals course of has been accomplished, as Rojas will start serving his suspension to start the 2026 season.
Rojas, 25, has been Philadelphia’s heart fielder for a good chunk of the previous three seasons. He will get nice marks for his protection and likewise steals bases, however his offense has been extra questionable. For the reason that begin of 2024, he has a .237/.279/.312 batting line. That interprets to a 64 wRC+, indicating he was 36% beneath league common on the plate in that point.
Regardless of his belongings, the dearth of offense has pushed the Phillies to maneuver on from counting on Rojas. They acquired Harrison Bader ultimately yr’s deadline. Bader grew to become a free agent at season’s finish, however the Phils plan to present prospect Justin Crawford the job.
Rojas might have began 2026 as a fourth outfielder or maybe gotten common taking part in time within the minors. If Crawford struggled in his first publicity to main league pitching, Rojas might have been a speed-and-defense fallback. That’s now off the desk for the primary half of the season. Rojas might return within the second half, however gamers who obtain PED suspensions aren’t eligible for the postseason.
With out Rojas, the Phils really feel a bit gentle by way of heart subject depth. Left fielder Brandon Marsh has expertise there however might be stretched defensively. Pedro León is on the 40-man however has simply seven large league video games below his belt. Utility participant Dylan Moore has some restricted expertise in heart. He’s not on the roster however could possibly be chosen to serve in a multi-positional bench position.
As Opening Day will get nearer, another guys could change into out there. As groups make their ultimate roster choices, some guys will find yourself on waivers or in free company. Maybe the Phillies can add some further heart subject protection within the coming weeks.
