Why Rojas was ejected and what the Phillies need to see from him originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
There were multiple layers to the Phillies’ decision Monday afternoon with Johan Rojas, who was optioned to Triple A to make room on the active roster for the returning Trea Turner.
Part of this was a roster crisis. Rojas had minor league options left, while Cristian Pache and David Dahl did not. If the Phillies had attempted to send Pache or Dahl to the minor leagues, they would have had to first waivers and there is a good chance either player would have been claimed.
The other part is Rojas’ approach and offensive production. The Phillies want him to shorten his swing, use more field and improve his touch. They’ve been waiting for that development from him since spring training, but it hasn’t come.
“Those are the things we need because I think if he’s doing what he can do on offense, which is really setting the table, having good at-bats, being able to move the ball, move runners, with him playing in the center field, this is probably the best version of our club,” manager Rob Thomson said.
“He took it very well, very professionally. I think he’ll go in there and work on it. This is a good opportunity for Ro to develop a little bit. Refresh himself a little bit, be able to relax and do the things we’re asking him to do.”
Thomson reiterated that he feels the best version of the Phillies’ lineup has Rojas in center field, where he showed last summer the kind of impact he can have defensively. He hasn’t been as valuable in the field or on the bases as he was last summer, when he probably played over his head. He has been intercepted three times this season and made more physical and mental errors under center than in the 59 major league games he played in 2023.
“Focus on reading the pitchers, studying them, their tendencies, their plate times, good secondary tracks,” Thomson said. “But most of it is probably on the offensive side.”
Without Rojas, the Phillies will optimize their offense in the outfield. Brandon Marsh will platoon in center field with Pache and Whit Merrifield will share left field with Dahl.
“We still want Marsh to have at-bats against left-handed pitching, we’ll try to pick,” Thomson said. “But for the most part, I think we’ll do it as a platoon.”
Edmundo Sosa also began working in left field on Monday before the Phillies’ series opener against the Padres. If Sosa takes the position (his hands, defensive ability and instincts indicate he will be that way) he could become another option alongside Merrifield against left-handed pitchers.