The Philadelphia Phillies began the season without outfielder Johan Rojas due to a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, and now his absence will extend through the remainder of the year. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Rojas is set to undergo an internal brace procedure.
It’s important to note that recovery from elbow surgery is significantly quicker for hitters than for pitchers. Although Rojas was already ineligible for the postseason because of his suspension, the Phillies will still miss his outfield depth. As a result, they’ll be looking to add a bat ahead of the trade deadline.
So far this season, Philadelphia has received minimal production from its right-handed hitters. Collectively, the team has posted a .205/.267/.323 slash line and a league-worst 64 wRC+ from the right side. Alec Bohm, Adolis García, J.T. Realmuto, and Trea Turner are all experiencing career-worst seasons.
Johan Rojas to Miss 2026 Season After Elbow Surgery
Rojas, 25, was already serving an 80-game PED suspension at the start of the season after testing positive for Boldenone. He is currently on the team’s restricted list.
In his absence, prospect Justin Crawford has taken over in center field. The rookie has struggled in his first big-league campaign, batting .230/.291/.333 over his first 59 games. The injury complicates matters, as sending Crawford to the minors for a reset is no longer a simple option.
Rojas’ injury also creates a 40-man roster logjam. The Phillies will need to go through a series of transactions: first activate him, then move him to the 60-day injured list. They must clear a 40-man spot to activate him, then place him on the 10-day IL, and subsequently transfer him to the 60-day IL to free up a spot for someone else. Once that process is complete, his season will officially be over.
There are no easy ways for the Phillies to open a roster spot for these moves. Kyle Backhus is the only player on the 40-man roster currently on the injured list, but the left-hander is beginning a rehab assignment and isn’t a candidate for the 60-day IL. Instead, Philadelphia will have to designate a player for assignment and risk losing him on waivers.
An intriguing subplot involves Rojas’ arbitration status. He will accrue 94 days of service time while on the IL, which could affect his arbitration eligibility next offseason depending on the Super Two cutoff. Rojas is projected to have two years and 130 days of MLB service time entering 2027, putting him close to that threshold.
Phillies Center Field Outlook Without Johan Rojas
Losing Rojas for the season undermines the Phillies’ center-field depth. Justin Crawford’s extended slump has forced difficult lineup decisions of late. Brandon Marsh, who is enjoying a breakout year at the plate, has shifted to center field against left-handed pitchers.
If the Phillies opt to send Crawford down to Triple-A, it would create further roster complications that might not improve the team. Moving Marsh to center would simply relocate the problem. Meanwhile, Otto Kemp and Félix Reyes have struggled in left field, even in a platoon role.
Without a right-handed outfield bat, the Phillies may have to keep relying on Crawford as he navigates his first major-league slump. Steward Barroa, a switch-hitter, provides a depth option in center and started the series opener against the White Sox on June 5.
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