The latest on Rojas' status for '26 and what it means for Phils' outfield
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas got to camp last month facing longshot odds to make the Opening Day roster, although he provided valuable depth in center field.
His availability, however, is now in jeopardy.
There have been multiple reports over the past 48 hours that Rojas is facing an 80-game suspension for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing substances. According to The Athletic, Rojas is appealing that suspension. The Phillies and Rojas have declined comment.
Rojas, 25, arrived at BayCare Ballpark around 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, hours later than normal. The Phillies posted the lineup for their exhibition against Team Canada shortly after. Rojas was in the lineup. He hit seventh and played center field.
He had been expected to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic but dropped out of the competition. Dominican Republic general manager Nelson Cruz cited “personal reasons” for Rojas’ decision.
The Phillies opened camp last month with a projected outfield that included Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp in left field, Justin Crawford (No. 3 Phillies prospect) in center and Adolis García in right.
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But if Crawford struggled or got hurt at any point, Rojas figured to be the first call to replace him in center.
Now if Rojas is unavailable for the first half of the season?
Marsh is the most likely candidate to move to center. Beyond him, however, the only other realistic option in camp is Pedro León, who also is the only remaining healthy outfielder on the Phillies’ 40-man roster (other than García, Marsh and Kemp). León has played 205 games in center field in his Minor League career.
The Phillies are expected to look outside the organization for outfield help before Triple-A Lehigh Valley’s season opener on March 27.
Prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. (No. 8 Phillies prospect) is on the 40-man, but he has been sidelined this spring with tendinitis in his knees. Non-roster outfielders in camp – besides Crawford – are Bryan De La Cruz and prospects Dante Nori (No. 7 Phillies prospect) and Dylan Campbell.
Rojas batted .224 with a .569 OPS in 172 plate appearances last season. He has batted .252 with a .633 OPS in parts of three seasons overall. While he has struggled to hit, he has played an above-average center field.