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MLB announces 80-game suspension for the Phillies’ Johan Rojas

Rojas tested positive for boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball said. He is eligible to return on June 25.

Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas was suspended Monday for 80 games after a positive test for boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance.
Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas was suspended Monday for 80 games after a positive test for boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer

MIAMI — If Johan Rojas plays for the Phillies this season, it won’t be until at least the last week in June.

Rojas received an 80-game suspension without pay after he tested positive for boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball announced Monday. The 25-year-old center fielder is ineligible to play at any level until June 25.

In a statement, the Phillies said they are “disappointed” to learn of Rojas’ positive test and “fully support” MLB’s joint drug prevention and treatment program.

News of Rojas’ test result leaked on March 2 upon his withdrawal from the Dominican Republic’s roster for the World Baseball Classic. Rojas filed an appeal with MLB and declined multiple requests for comment while awaiting a decision.

But Rojas continued to play in spring training games for the Phillies, most recently going 0-for-1 with a walk Sunday in Clearwater, Fla., against the Braves. He was 4-for-24 (.167) in 10 Grapefruit League games.

Regardless of the pending suspension, Rojas was hardly a lock for the Phillies’ opening-day roster. Justin Crawford is set to take over center field, and Rojas has minor-league options. Veteran utilityman Dylan Moore and reserve outfielder Bryan De La Cruz emerged as likelier bench candidates.

» READ MORE: Justin Crawford showcases ability to put a ball in play on the ground: ‘That’s all he needs to do’

The Phillies’ center-field depth does take a hit with Rojas’ ban. Brandon Marsh, who is expected to play mostly left field, could shift to center, if necessary. The Phillies’ best option in triple A is now 27-year-old Pedro León, who was claimed off waivers from the Astros. León went 2-for-20 in seven major league games in 2024.

Rojas, an elite defender, made his major league debut in 2023 and was a pleasant surprise at the plate, batting .302 with a .771 OPS in 164 plate appearances.

But he struggled ever since. Among 316 players with at least 500 plate appearances since the beginning of the 2024 season, Rojas ranked 308th with a .591 OPS.

According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, boldenone is an anabolic androgenic steroid that was originally developed for veterinary use but is commonly taken by athletes to increase muscle mass and strength. It is prohibited under MLB’s joint drug prevention and treatment program.