The Phillies introduced at the moment that shortstop Trea Turner has been reinstated from the injured checklist, a transfer that was reported over the weekend. To open a roster spot for Turner, outfielder Johan Rojas was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Rojas, now 23, was promoted to the majors final summer time from Double-A, skipping over the Triple-A stage. He had lengthy been a notable prospect because of his velocity and protection, and he undoubtedly confirmed these traits within the second half of the 2023 season. He stole 14 bases in 15 makes an attempt whereas additionally being credited with 15 defensive runs saved and 6 outs above common in heart subject.
That was a key improvement for the Phillies, as they’d some defensive challenges, significantly within the outfield. Bryce Harper was coming back from Tommy John surgical procedure final yr and was capable of come again as a delegated hitter earlier than having the ability to play the sector. That left the Phils with Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, who’re each thought of subpar defenders, within the outfield corners most days.
On high of these contributions, the offense from Rojas was higher than anticipated. Rojas struck out in 25.6 p.c of his plate appearances and solely walked at a 3 p.c clip, however he managed to slash .302/.342/.430 for a wRC+ of 109. That was largely held up by an unsustainable .410 batting common on balls in play, however any offense was possible thought of a pleasant bonus by the Phillies, since they largely wished Rojas on the market for his glove.
That efficiency earned Rojas an opportunity to take the on a regular basis heart subject job this yr, however it has not gone nicely. He has decreased his strikeout charge to fifteen.8 p.c however his batted ball luck has disappeared. He has a .273 BABIP on the yr and nonetheless isn’t drawing walks, resulting in a .235/.271/.295 line and 62 wRC+. Bizarrely, his protection has additionally regressed, with tallies of +1 DRS and +2 OAA to date this yr.
The Phils are having an ideal season, presently sporting a document of 47-24 that has them atop the Nationwide League, however the outfield has been their main weak spot. Rojas has been part of that however Castellanos, Whit Merrifield and Cristian Pache are additionally having tough seasons whereas Brandon Marsh spent a while on the injured checklist with a hamstring pressure. David Dahl was referred to as as much as assist out and has regarded good, however in a small pattern of eight video games after a number of years of injury-related struggles.
Rojas and Marsh are the one two gamers in that group who might be optioned to the minor leagues. Marsh is now off the IL and is having a great season total, leaving Rojas because the odd man out. He’ll head to Triple-A for the primary time and attempt to get again on observe.
The Phils have loads of justification for making this transfer based mostly on the dearth of efficiency from Rojas this yr, however it’s attainable that it’ll affect him from a service time perspective. He acquired 80 days of service final yr, placing him 92 shy of the one-year mark. He has banked 81 to date this yr, which means he’s nonetheless slightly below that line. He ought to be capable of get again over if he’s recalled at any level however his potential free company could possibly be pushed again if he stays down for the remainder of the yr.
For the Phillies, they are going to now proceed with some mixture of Castellanos, Marsh, Pache, Merrifield and Dahl within the outfield. The return of Turner might additionally maybe push Edmundo Sosa into that blend, as he has a small quantity of outfield expertise and was hitting nicely in masking for Turner. Marsh and Dahl hit from the left facet whereas these different outfield choices are righties, maybe permitting the membership to make use of platoons to get everybody into the lineup.
