The Philadelphia Phillies latest announcement confirms that veteran outfielder will undergo season-ending surgery, officially ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Top star is currently serving an 80-game suspension after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Boldenone earlier this offseason, which would have made him ineligible for postseason play. As his suspension neared its end, Rojas had begun ramping up baseball activities in preparation for a return. However, further evaluation revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) that will require surgical repair. While the injury ends his 2026 campaign, the team expects him to be ready for Spring Training in 2027.
A natural center fielder, Rojas is known for his elite defense and speed. He appeared in the major leagues with Philadelphia from 2023 through 2025 and served as the club’s primary center fielder during the 2023 season and much of 2024. Though his glove and baserunning provided consistent value, his offensive production lagged. Over 250 career games, Rojas posted a .252/.294/.340 slash line with a .634 OPS, hitting six home runs, stealing 51 bases, and driving in 73 runs.
Rojas’s standout moments came during his rookie season in 2023. He made an immediate impression in his debut with a highlight-reel catch in center field and a double play in his first major league inning. Later that year, he delivered a walk-off single to clinch a postseason berth for the Phillies.
Despite his defensive highlights and hustle plays, Rojas was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on August 1, 2025, after the team acquired Harrison Bader to take over center-field duties. Entering the 2026 offseason, Rojas was expected to compete once again for a spot on the 26-man roster, but he appeared in only 10 Spring Training games before news of his suspension surfaced on March 16.
Even without the suspension, Rojas faced stiff competition for a roster spot due to the promotion of top prospect Justin Crawford and the signing of Adolis García. Still, he could have played a role later in the season as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner, particularly in a postseason setting.
Rojas is expected to have surgery within the next few weeks and will begin an extended rehabilitation process. He will look to return fully healthy and compete for a roster spot again in 2027.