The Phillies need a midfielder who hits right-handed and will call up Johan Rojas to the majors when the second half of the season begins Friday night. Rojas, one of the club’s top contenders, is being promoted from Double-A Reading, major league sources have confirmed to The Athletic.
Rojas, known for his elite defense and speed, was their choice as Cristian Pache is struggling with an undisclosed injury that will force him to miss time, these sources said. Rojas will step into Pache’s role — with starts against left pitchers and chances as a defensive back-up in the late inning — while Pache is sidelined. Brandon Marsh will continue to spend most of the season at the center.
While 22-year-old Rojas is still an unfinished product, he has just had his best season. He scored .306/.361/.484 on 354 plate appearances at Reading. According to the sources, the Phillies consider his spot in the major league roster to be temporary. He’s still developing, but this is a chance to give him better pitching opportunities while also filling a suitable role. His highlight roleplays in midfield this season have garnered attention.
“The best defensive midfielder I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Mick Abel, the team’s 21-year-old pitching contender.
Tyler Henson, Reading’s batting coach, said last month he was proud of Rojas’ improved consistency at the plate. The defense is on a different level.
“He’s the best I’ve seen in all the years in the minors that I’ve played, trained with or watched remotely,” said Henson, who has enjoyed a decade-long minor league playing career. “There’s nobody better in baseball. He is fast. He is sporty. The tracks are clean. He’s got balls on his feet that most guys jump at. And it looks easy. It’s something special.”
In addition to Rojas’ promotion, the Phillies are expected to recall infielder Drew Ellis from Triple A. He would replace Josh Harrison, who came on the injured list during the All-Star break with a right wrist sprain.
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(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)