Johan Rojas back in Phillies lineup amid reported appeal to 80-game suspension for failed drug test
When asked if he had a comment on his appeal or potential suspension, Rojas said he had to get ready for the game, an exhibition against Team Canada.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Johan Rojas walked to his locker in the Phillies clubhouse just before 11:30 a.m., with his duffel bag slumped over his shoulder.
On a normal day, this would not be notable, but Wednesday was hardly a normal day. Less than 24 hours earlier, news broke that Rojas had reportedly tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
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A source told The Inquirer that the center fielder would appeal the 80-game suspension, which would explain why he was back with his team the following morning. No ruling has been made on Rojas’s suspension.
Until there is one, he will continue to work out at the Phillies’ spring training complex and play in Grapefruit League games. The team didn’t waste any time in getting him back in the lineup.
Rojas batted seventh in Wednesday’s exhibition game against Team Canada. When asked pregame if he had a comment on his reported appeal or potential suspension, Rojas said he had to get ready for the game.
When asked if he’d comment after the game, he declined.
The ball found him on the first pitch. In the top of the first inning, Canada DH Edouard Julien drove an Aaron Nola fastball to deep right center field.
Rojas got a good jump, sprinting toward the wall and diving on the dirt to make the first out of the game. He finished his day going 1-for-2 with an RBI after knocking a hard-hit double to center field in the fourth.
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After the game, manager Rob Thomson reiterated that the only information he has about Rojas’ status is what he’s read through reports.
“I don’t know anything about the appeal,” he said. “We know nothing about … I said yesterday, we read the reports, but nobody from Major League Baseball has told us anything.”
It’s unclear how long the appeal process will take. The ruling will be decided by a neutral arbitrator, per the Major League Basic Agreement.