Full Breakdown
Johan Rojas’ Season-Ending UCL Surgery Amid 80-Game PED Suspension
6/11/2026, 2:27:55 AM
Season-Ending UCL Surgery
On June 10, 2026 the Phillies announced outfielder Johan Rojas will miss the rest of the season after imaging confirmed a torn UCL in his right elbow. The injury happened while he was increasing baseball activities in preparation for his return from suspension. Surgery with an internal brace is slated for the next couple of weeks, targeting spring-training 2027.
Suspension and Performance Overview
Rojas received an 80-game suspension in March 2026 after testing positive for Boldenone, violating MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The ban began with the season opener and runs through June 25, making him ineligible for the 2026 postseason. In 2025 he hit .224 with one homer, 18 RBIs, 12 steals and a .569 OPS over 71 games. His MLB line is .252/.294/.340 with six homers, 73 RBIs and 51 steals in 250 games.
Team Announcement
The club said Rojas “felt elbow discomfort while ramping up baseball activities” and that imaging showed an ulnar collateral ligament tear requiring surgical repair with an internal brace. It added the procedure is planned for the coming weeks, noting the injury “removes a depth option from the bench picture” and targeting a spring-training 2027 return.
Criticism and Uncertainty
Analysts describe Rojas as “limited at the plate” despite “elite defensive skills and speed.” The New York Times reported the club could remove him from the 40-man roster, saying his “future with the organization is even murkier now.” His absence narrows outfield depth, leaving bench spots to Garrett Stubbs, Steward Berroa and Brandon Marsh.
Conflicting Details
All sources agree the injury is a UCL tear requiring internal-brace surgery, but they differ on Rojas’ roster outlook. The New York Times calls him a “candidate for removal,” while other reports simply describe his future as “uncertain.” No comment from Rojas or his representatives appears.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ramping up baseball activities in preparation to return from his suspension.” — Philadelphia Phillies (NYT)
- “in the next couple of weeks,” — Philadelphia Phillies (CBS News)
- “Evaluation and imaging revealed an ulnar collateral ligament tear that will require surgical repair with internal brace.” — Philadelphia Phillies (Crossing Broad)
- “Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas recently felt right medial elbow discomfort while ramping up baseball activities in preparation to return from his suspension. Evaluation and imaging revealed an ulnar collateral ligament tear that will require surgical repair with internal brace. The surgery will be scheduled in the next couple of weeks with the plan for Rojas to be ready to participate at spring training in 2027.” — Philadelphia Phillies (Crossing Broad)
Outlook
The Phillies will schedule Rojas’ internal-brace surgery within weeks and monitor his rehab through the offseason. He remains ineligible to play until at least spring training 2027, and the team must decide whether to keep him on the 40-man roster or designate him for removal before the 2026-27 season. Outfield depth will be managed by existing bench players and any trade acquisitions as the trade deadline approaches.
