Currently serving a suspension for a PED violation, Johan Rojas developed soreness in his right elbow and imaging revealed a right UCL tear that will require surgery. Bill Streicher / USA TodayJune 10, 2026 2:48 pm EDT Updated PHILADELPHIA — Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas, who has not played a game in the majors since July 2025 and is serving a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, will not play at all in 2026 because of a recent elbow injury that will require surgery.Rojas tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, the team said, while “ramping up baseball activities in preparation to return from his suspension.” He was eligible to begin a minor-league rehab assignment later this week. His suspension would have ended on June 25.Instead, Rojas’ future with the organization is even murkier now.He will undergo internal brace surgery, a variation of Tommy John surgery, in the coming weeks. The Phillies said they plan for Rojas to be ready to participate in spring training in 2027.
That said, he will be a candidate for removal from the roster this upcoming offseason.There might have been a place for Rojas in the majors this summer, following his 80-game suspension, because the current bench includes little-used Garrett Stubbs and Steward Berroa. The Phillies could have used — and planned to include — Rojas in last year’s National League Division Series as a bench option. A minor quadriceps injury prevented that.Although he is an elite defender, Rojas has failed to establish himself at the plate. He is a career .252/.294/.340 hitter in 250 big-league games.Rojas was suspended in March for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance. He had been training at the club’s complex in Florida since then.
