Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has been suspended by the MLB for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The suspension will also affect Rojas’ eligibility to play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He is appealing the failed test.
Rojas entered spring training hoping to make the Phillies’ 2026 opening day roster. His chances were slim, but the opportunity remained.
Philadelphia wasn’t expecting Rojas to have a major impact with the big league club this year; this news certainly hurts their depth. He is an exceptional defender with elite speed to affect the game on the base paths.
Rojas was initially on the Dominican Republic’s WBC roster as their fifth outfielder. He wouldn’t have gotten any at-bats behind Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis, and Julio Rodriguez, but he could have had an impact as a defensive replacement.
Rojas had a major opportunity to represent his country in the WBC, but that has now been wasted. The 25-year-old will now have to wait another four years for an opportunity that is anything but guaranteed.
Rojas becomes the third Phillies player from last season’s roster to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, joining Jose Alvarado and Max Kepler. This is a major blow to a young player trying to stick in the league; his chances of becoming a true MLB player are dwindling.
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