MLB Announces 80-Game Suspension For Johan Rojas Major League Baseball announced today that Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas has received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension was confirmed after Rojas’s appeal process concluded, and he will begin serving the penalty during the 2026 season. Rojas, 25, has been a key player for the Phillies as their center fielder over the past three seasons, known for his defensive skills and base-stealing ability. However, his offensive production has been inconsistent, with a .237/.279/.312 batting line since 2024, translating to a 64 wRC+—36% below league average. His struggles at the plate have prompted the Phillies to seek alternatives, leading to the acquisition of Harrison Bader in 2025. Bader, now a free agent, is expected to take over the center field role, with prospect Justin Crawford serving as a potential backup. Rojas’s suspension removes him from contention for a starting role in 2026. Without him, the Phillies face a challenge in center field depth. Left fielder Brandon Marsh has experience in the position but is defensively limited, while Pedro León, a 40-man roster player with only seven major league games under his belt, and utility man Dylan Moore, who has limited center field experience, are potential options. The team may need to explore waivers or free agency in the coming weeks to address the gap. The suspension also raises questions about the Phillies’ roster flexibility. With Rojas ineligible for the postseason, the team may look to add depth in center field as Opening Day approaches.#jurickson_profar #mlb #philadelphia_phillies #johan_rojas #boldenone
Phillies have a PED problem after yet another suspension CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Philadelphia Phillies face mounting scrutiny over a recurring issue involving performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), as the team has been hit with its eighth suspension this season, tying them with Seattle for the most in Major League Baseball history. Johan Rojas became the latest Phillie to be suspended after testing positive for boldenone, a banned substance, prompting an arbitrator to uphold an 80-game ban. This marks the third Phillies player linked to the team to receive a PED suspension within a single calendar year, a record that has never been matched by any other franchise. The Phillies’ struggles with PED violations date back to 2009, when J.C. Romero was suspended. Since then, the team has seen suspensions involving players like Freddy Galvis, Carlos Ruiz, Antonio Bastardo, Daniel Stumpf, Alec Asher, and J.C. Romero. Adding to the tally, Max Kepler, a free agent who played for the Phillies last season, was suspended for 80 games in January after testing positive for a PED. Including Kepler, the Phillies now have nine suspensions tied to the team in 2026, a number that underscores the league’s growing concern over the organization’s history. Manager Rob Thomson, who took over as manager in 2022, has dismissed the suspensions as isolated incidents, stating, “They are three totally different situations. So no, I do not think it’s an issue.” However, the team’s front office has remained silent on the matter, citing an MLB rule that prohibits commentaries on suspensions. The Phillies issued a statement expressing support for MLB’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program but stopped short of addressing the broader implications of the suspensions.#mlb #philadelphia_phillies #johan_rojas #jc_romero #rob_thomson
World Baseball Classic: Why is Taijuan Walker playing for Mexico? Taijuan Walker, a starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, is representing Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic despite being born in Louisiana. His decision to play for Mexico stems from his maternal heritage, as his mother, Nellie Garcia, is of Mexican descent. Under World Baseball Classic rules, players can represent a country if they have a parent of that nationality, even if they were born elsewhere. This eligibility mirrors the case of Jarren Duran, who also plays for Mexico despite being born in the U.S. Walker previously competed for Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his experience on the international stage. His inclusion in the 2026 tournament follows a strong performance in the 2025 MLB season with the Phillies, where he posted a 4.08 ERA in 34 games. His return to the Mexican national team highlights his continued commitment to representing his heritage on the global baseball stage. Mexico’s roster includes several players with U.S. roots, many of whom qualify through family ties. Randy Arozarena, for example, does not have Mexican parents but has played for the country in the tournament after opportunities in Mexico during his career. Alek Thomas, another U.S.-born player, also qualifies due to his mother’s Mexican heritage, similar to Walker and Alex Carrillo. The 2026 World Baseball Classic features 14 U.S.-born players on Mexico’s roster, some of whom are making their debut in the tournament while others, like Walker, are returning for a second appearance. This mix of talent underscores the depth of Mexico’s baseball program and the growing presence of players with U.S. ties in international competition.#world_baseball_classic #jarren_duran #taijuan_walker #philadelphia_phillies #nellie_garcia
