Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and been suspended for 80 games, the league announced Monday. That comes out to almost half the 2026 season and makes Rojas ineligible for the postseason should the Phillies make it.
Rojas tested positive for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid typically used in veterinary purposes.
“The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today’s news of Johan’s violation,” the team said in a statement.
The 25-year-old Rojas hit 224/.280/.289 (57 OPS+) with 12 stolen bases in 172 plate appearances across 71 games last season. He had a promising start to his career, slashing .302/.342/.430 with 2.4 WAR in just 59 games in 2023, but has been disappointing since.
The expected plan entering the season for the Phillies was to have Rojas either backup or platoon with rookie Justin Crawford in center field. Adolis García is set to take over in right field while Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp play left field. Marsh can swing over to center if need be while Edmundo Sosa can get some reps in left field. In other words, the Phillies have options to deal with the loss of Rojas.
It’s also possible this suspension would open the door for someone like Bryan De La Cruz, Pedro León or Gabriel Rincones Jr. to make the Opening Day roster, too.
The Phillies have made the playoffs in four straight seasons, as well as having secured back-to-back NL East titles. They won 96 games last season, their best regular-season total since 2011.
The news of Rojas’ failed drug test comes just weeks Braves DH Jurickson Profar was hit with a 162-game suspension for his own failed test, his second in his career.
