Spring Training is in full swing all around the league. The Philadelphia Phillies are down at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The Phillies have their hands full and will use this time to get reps in for everyone on the team. One player who hasn't been able to participate fully thus far is center fielder Johan Rojas.
During the offseason, Rojas played in the Dominican Winter League and hurt his right shoulder when sliding headfirst into second base. That injury has held him from throwing in camp so far, but he's expected to ramp that up in the near future.
Rojas said through the team interpreter, "I’ll be throwing back soon. It was bothering me, but not so much. So I played through it. I finished the season in winter ball, and then we came in and decided to stop for a while, but I’m positive that I’ll be throwing here soon. It feels a little uncomfortable."
Manager Rob Thomson also spoke with the media and said the team isn't worried much.
"We’re not really concerned about the shoulder. We’re just being precautionary, really. It’s probably going to be another close to a week before he throws, but it’ll be a quick ramp-up I would think. And he’s getting plenty of at-bats."Rob Thomson
During the Winter League, Rojas won Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove Award. He hit .295 and stole 30 bases for Gigantes del Cibao.
Over the last two seasons for the Phillies (179 games), Rojas had a .261 batting average with five home runs and 55 RBI. In addition, he's logged 21 doubles, 39 stolen bases, and 71 runs scored.
Opening Day is still a month away, as Philadelphia goes on the road to play the Washington Nationals on March 27.
The Phillies are confident that Rojas will be ready by then, but he'll continue to rest his shoulder in the meantime.