Phillies Recall Top Prospect Johan Rojas from AA Ahead of Series With Padres
Photo via Cheryl Pursell
We have not yet gotten the highly-anticipated debut of Andrew Painter, but it looks like we will get the debut of Johan Rojas, the sixth-ranked prospect in the Phillies’ organization.
On Thursday night, it was rumored that the Phillies were expecting to recall Rojas, but the validity of the source remained in question. This morning, the Phillies made it official, confirming the initial report, as they placed outfielder Christian Pache on the 10-day injured list with right elbow irritation and recalled Rojas from double-A Reading. Drew Ellis was also recalled from Lehigh Valley to fulfill the roster spot of Josh Harrison, who was placed on the IL on Wednesday.
Rojas, 22, has been one of the most interesting prospects to follow ever since he was signed by the Phillies in 2018. Defensively, Rojas is a speedy centerfielder with a well-above-average glove in the outfield.
His bat, which is still a work in progress, has improved significantly in 2023. In 76 double-A games, Rojas is batting .306 and has an OBP of .361. On top of his good eye and ability to limit strikeouts, Rojas also boasted a .845 OPS in Reading.
This season, in particular, Rojas has done a better job of elevating the ball, which has kindled more power and more extra-base hits. Rojas is tied for third in the Eastern League in doubles, tied for first in triples, and sixth in batting average.
Rojas’ stay in Philadelphia may be brief, but the Phillies did not recall him to sit on the bench. Being a top prospect, the Phillies would not want to interrupt Rojas’ developmental process, so this move likely indicates that Bryce Harper is not too far away from playing first base. Rojas, a righty, will likely start in centerfield against left-handed pitchers, and depending on how he performs, he may draw consistent starts once Harper moves to first base. However, if he does not get the opportunity to play regularly, it is hard to envision Rojas sticking with the big-league club for too long.
Drew Ellis, the other Phillie that was recalled from the minors, had four hits in 18 at-bats in his major-league stint earlier this season.
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