Debating roster spots and lineup decisions is one of the many passions of Philly sports fans. Johan Rojas has been at the center of many discussions across the Delaware Valley since joining the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies have been going through a slump since they returned from the All-Star break. They are 11-17 since the break, including losing Sunday night to the Washington Nationals. As a team, they are batting .255 with a .317 OBP and .736 OPS. Saying it has been an underwhelming start to the second half of the season would be an understatement.
Still, they have been turning a corner of late and some of the players are finally coming out of their slump. One of those players is center fielder Johan Rojas.
Rojas’ Rough Start
To start the year, Rojas struggled to make an offensive impact. His first half of the season saw him hitting .231/.267/.298 with a wRC+ of just 58. The Phillies made the tough decision to option him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on June 17th so he can get consistent at-bats with the hopes of his bat improving.
After hitting .382/.417/.917 with a home run in 34 at-bats, Rojas was recalled from Lehigh Valley on June 28th and has been back up with the club since.
Post All-Star Break
Johan Rojas has looked like a completely different ballplayer in the first month since the break. He is batting .313 with a .365 OBP and his wRC+ is 106, fifth on the team in that timeframe.
In the first couple weeks of August, his numbers are even better. Rojas is batting .333 with a .389 OBP and 124 wRC+. He has been one of the better-performing players on the Phillies since the break, and that has helped them work their way out of this slump they’re in.
His start to the second half is certainly a welcomed sight, as the Phillies are beginning to look toward the postseason with every passing day.
His Importance for the Postseason
Everyone remembers that crucial catch in game four of the 2023 NLDS. The one that robbed Ronald Acuña Jr. of a bases-clearing triple that would have given the Braves the lead. In August, he is sporting a DRS of three.
His defensive capabilities are otherworldly and meant for the biggest stage Major League Baseball can offer. If his bat can contribute in the postseason, the Phillies are sure to make another deep run.
They head to Atlanta for an essential four-game series. The Phillies are currently leading the NL East by seven games. With 38 games remaining, seven of them being against the Braves, this three-game series has some NL East implications.
Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
