Phillies OF Johan Rojas suspended 80 games after losing appeal for failed PED test

Rojas tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, the third Phillies player suspended for a drug violation in the past year.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:53pm

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Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas was suspended for 80 games after he tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. Rojas' appeal of the discipline was denied by an independent arbitrator, and he will lose nearly $400,000 in salary during the suspension. Rojas was slated to play for the Dominican Republic's World Baseball Classic roster but was dropped ahead of the tournament.

Why it matters

Rojas' suspension is the latest in a string of drug violations involving Phillies players, raising concerns about the team's ability to maintain a clean roster and the broader issue of PED use in Major League Baseball. The Boldenone substance is not approved for human use in the U.S. and is typically used for veterinary purposes, highlighting the lengths some athletes will go to gain a competitive edge.

The details

Rojas, a 25-year-old outfielder, hit .224 with one homer, 18 RBIs and 12 stolen bases for the Phillies last season. He was demoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Aug. 1 and did not play for Philadelphia during the remainder of the season. Rojas was 3 for 15 with one RBI for the Phillies during spring training this year.

  • Rojas was suspended on March 16, 2026.
  • Barring rainouts, Rojas would be eligible to play for the Phillies on June 25, 2026.
  • Rojas would lose $395,305 in salary from his contract, which pays at a rate of $803,500 while in the major leagues and $321,826 while in the minors.
  • If there are no postponements, the suspension would be over 92 days of the 187-day season.
  • Rojas is ineligible to play in the 2026 postseason.

The players

Johan Rojas

A 25-year-old outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies who was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone.

Martin F. Scheinman

The independent arbitrator who denied Rojas' grievance appeal of the suspension.

José Alvarado

A Phillies relief pitcher who was suspended 80 games last May for testing positive for exogenous testosterone.

Max Kepler

A free agent who was suspended for 80 games in January for testing positive for Epitrenbolone, becoming the first player suspended by MLB for that substance since 2005.

Jurickson Profar

An Atlanta Braves outfielder who was suspended for the entire 2026 season after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, his second offense under the drug rules.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.