TORONTO — Johan Rojas will not play for the Phillies in 2026 after suffering an elbow injury.
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Rojas is serving an 80-game suspension without pay for testing positive for boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance. The 25-year-old outfielder is eligible to be reinstated on June 25, but while ramping up to return to baseball activities, Rojas reported discomfort in his right elbow.
Imaging revealed an ulnar collateral ligament tear, which will require surgery and an internal brace. The Phillies said Rojas’ surgery is scheduled in the coming weeks, and the plan is for him to return in time for spring training.
According to the terms of Rojas’ PED suspension, he was already ineligible to participate in the playoffs this year.
But his injury now removes a potential outfield depth option for the remainder of the regular season. Rojas is an elite defender with speed, though he hasn’t been a consistent producer at the plate at the major league level. In 71 games in 2025, Rojas hit .224 with a .569 OPS.
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Rookie Justin Crawford is the Phillies’ primary center fielder this season, though he often sits against left-handed starters, including Monday in Toronto against Patrick Corbin. Brandon Marsh can slide to center, and switch-hitter Steward Berroa is another center field option on the bench.
Fifty years ago, the All-Star Game came to Philadelphia as part of the bicentennial celebration. Larry Bowa was among five Phillies who represented the National League. With the Midsummer Classic returning to town next month, Bowa joined Phillies Extra to recall the atmosphere surrounding the 1976 game and being an All-Star at Veterans Stadium, as well as the state of the current Phillies. Watch here.
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Previous episodes: Joe Maddon | Rhys Hoskins | Terry Francona | Aaron Rowand | Hunter Pence | Paco Figueroa | Gage Wood | Scott Boras | Brian Barber | Aaron Nola
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