The Philadelphia Phillies may be facing another setback as reports indicate that outfielder Johan Rojas is headed for a significant suspension due to a performance-enhancing drug violation. According to multiple sources, Rojas is expected to receive an 80-game suspension and will also be barred from participating in the postseason if the penalty is upheld. The news casts uncertainty over the team’s bench depth as spring training unfolds in Clearwater.
Although Major League Baseball has not yet issued an official announcement, MLB insider Jon Heyman confirmed earlier reporting that Rojas tested positive for a banned substance. In addition to missing a substantial portion of the regular season, he would also be ineligible to represent the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The situation remains pending, as Rojas has the option to appeal the decision. If that appeal is unsuccessful, he would join a growing list of Phillies players disciplined for similar violations.
Should the suspension stand, Rojas would become the third member of the 2025 Phillies roster to face punishment for PED use. Former outfielder Max Kepler and left-handed reliever José Alvarado have also been sanctioned. Alvarado served his suspension during the previous season, while Kepler’s violation was announced in January and is set to be served this year. Kepler, currently a free agent, has yet to sign with another club.
Rojas’ recent performance on the field has not matched the promise he once showed. During the 2024 campaign, he split time between Triple-A Lehigh Valley and the major league roster, appearing in 106 games overall. Of those, 71 were played at the big-league level, where he struggled offensively. In the majors, he posted a .224 batting average with a .280 on-base percentage and a .289 slugging percentage, striking out 40 times in 152 at-bats. His production was stronger in Triple-A, where he hit .279/.338/.361, but it was not enough to solidify a consistent role in Philadelphia.
The contrast is especially notable when compared to his impressive debut in 2023. That season, Rojas emerged as a spark plug for the Phillies, batting .302 with a .342 on-base percentage and a .430 slugging mark across 50 games. He also stole 14 bases in 15 attempts, showcasing elite speed and defensive range in center field. His contributions helped propel the Phillies to the postseason, where they ultimately fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series.
Entering this year, Rojas was battling for the fifth outfield spot behind Adolis García, Justin Crawford, Brandon Marsh, and Otto Kemp. The club also has Pedro León in camp, along with several prospects and veteran non-roster invitee Dylan Moore, who brings versatility and experience. If Rojas’ suspension is finalized, it could significantly reshape the Phillies’ outfield depth and bench plans moving forward.
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