Major League Baseball has suspended Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas for 80 games without pay after he tested positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance. The penalty, announced on Monday night, takes effect at the start of the 2026 regular season and bars him from postseason play.
In Clearwater, Florida, Johan Rojas, 25, participated in Phillies spring training, including Grapefruit League games and practices, while awaiting news on his status. He was present at BayCare Ballpark on Monday morning, interacting with teammates, and had played the previous day against the Braves. That evening, MLB announced the suspension for violating the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program due to a positive test for Boldenone. Rojas will miss the entire first half of the 2026 season and cannot play in the postseason if eligible otherwise. He declined to comment on earlier reports of a potential suspension. A long shot for the Opening Day roster beforehand, Rojas batted .224 with a .569 OPS over 172 plate appearances last season. Across parts of three seasons, he hit .252 with a .633 OPS, noted for above-average defense. The Phillies issued a statement: “The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today’s news of Johan’s violation.” The suspension affects outfield depth, with projected starters including Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp in left, Justin Crawford in center, and Adolis García in right. Alternatives like Pedro León, recently optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, or others such as Gabriel Rincones Jr., Bryan De La Cruz, Dante Nori, and Dylan Moore, may fill gaps.
