Late on Sunday night, reports arose that Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas will not be representing the Dominican Republic.
According to reports, Rojas tested positive for a banned substance and is suspended from the World Baseball Classic.
16 hours later, however, there are no reports of this affecting the Phillies or his eligibility in MLB.
It is not yet known if there’s just a delayed announcement about the news awaiting release or if there may not be an announcement because the substance is something that is not allowed by the international tournament but is not banned by MLB.
Marijuana is an example of a drug that MLB would not suspend a player for but would get them suspended from international play.
For now, it may be a waiting game for fans.
While many fans have been upset by Rojas’ poor performance at times and his lack of pop, but when he played regularly in 2024, he had stints of 24 games where he hit .246 and also .253 in 53 games. The team appears to be working on his baserunning and stealing ability as they look to give him a way to turn those hits into larger gains to build on an otherwise low slugging percentage.
Rojas is competing for an outfield role this year. Brandon Marsh and Adolis Garcia appear to be locks for two of what is likely four spots. Justin Crawford is considered a favorite to start the year in Philly (though he’s not on the 40-man) with Pedro León and Gabriel Rincones filling out the other outfielders already on the 40-man roster.
Bryan De La Cruz is also fighting for one of those roster spots after an impressive campaign in the Mexican League this offseason where he won the batting title.
Rojas’ speed is what could get him on the roster as it translates to what is arguably the best center field defense the team could get from anyone other than perhaps Justin Crawford.
While it’s not certain they make the team, it’s sure that the Phillies could have the best defensive outfield in the league if they opt to put out Marsh, Rojas, and Crawford at the same time.
It remains to be seen if Rojas will even be eligible to make the opening day roster, however.
