Phillies Face Growing PED Challenges Amid Latest Suspension | Opinion
Clearwater, Fla. — An arbitrator upheld Johan Rojas’ 80-game ban for boldenone. The decision makes him one of several Phillies linked to PED suspensions since 2009.
Historic run of suspensions
Rojas is the eighth Phillies player suspended for PED use since 2009. Counting Max Kepler, who played for the team last season but was suspended in January as a free agent, the total rises to nine.
Three players connected to the club faced suspensions within the same calendar year. José Alvarado received an 80-game suspension in May for exogenous testosterone.
Who else has been suspended
Other Phillies suspended over the years include Daniel Stumpf and Alec Asher in 2016. Antonio Bastardo and Carlos Ruiz were suspended in 2013.
Freddy Galvis tested positive in 2012. J.C. Romero was suspended in 2009. No other franchise has matched this total since 2009.
Club response and leadership
The Phillies issued a statement supporting Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program. The team said it was disappointed by Rojas’ violation.
President Dave Dombrowski is barred from commenting on suspensions under an MLB rule. Manager Rob Thomson said he does not view the positives as proof of an organizational problem.
Testing, rules, and player perspective
MLB requires both urine and blood testing at minimum once in the offseason, once in spring training, and once during the season. Players say testing is more frequent than that.
Trea Turner said players rely on training staff for guidance about supplements. He also said the core group tries to do things the right way.
Testing logistics and banned substances
There are roughly 80 banned PEDs in baseball. The list also includes 57 stimulants and 57 masking agents. DHEA is also prohibited.
Players can reduce risk by sending product labels to club or union staff for vetting. That step often prevents accidental positives.
Roster and postseason impact
Rojas is ineligible for postseason play while suspended. He could return to regular-season action on June 25.
His absence may open a bench spot. The Phillies recently claimed speedy outfielder Pedro Leon, who has seven big-league games of experience and was optioned to Triple-A.
Prospects and replacements
Dante Nori, a 2024 first-round pick, rose rapidly through the minors. He hit .400 in the World Baseball Classic for Team Italy, with two homers and two steals in six games.
Rojas’ suspension also recalls Alvarado’s absence last postseason. The bullpen felt that loss acutely during the playoffs.
Filmogaz.com notes this episode underscores ongoing PED challenges for the club. Opinion writers view the trend as a warning sign for the organization.
