Phillies Return Star Shortstop From Injury, Demote Slumping Outfielder
Phillies Return Star Shortstop From Injury, Demote Slumping Outfielder
The Philadelphia Phillies knew a difficult roster decision was on the horizon and on Monday, they pulled the trigger.
Star shortstop Trea Turner, who hasn't played since May 3 after straining his left hamstring, had been steadily working his way back and did not need a rehab assignment. The Phillies knew his return meant one of the position players had to go and they decided to demote someone they had hoped would be an everyday starter.
Turner was activated from the 15-day Injured List prior to Monday's matchup with the San Diego Padres. In a corresponding move, center fielder Johan Rojas was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Expectations for Rojas were high entering the season after the 23-year-old had joined Philadelphia for the entirety of the 2023 stretch run. He played sparkling defense in center field but slumped at the plate in the playoffs.
That slump has carried over into the 2024 season, where Rojas has batted just .235/.271/.295. His .566 OPS would be the second-worst among all position players in Major League Baseball if he had enough at-bats to qualify.
Rumors have swirled about the Phillies potentially seeking outfield upgrades via trade, with Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr.'s name often at the top of the list. It appears Brandon Marsh and Cristian Pache will handle center field duties for now, but that could change in the coming weeks.
Turner, meanwhile, will look to hit the ground running after his injury derailed his excellent start. Monday's All-Star voting update placed Turner in second place among National League shortstops behind the Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts, despite only playing 33 games.
Turner will bat second and play shortstop in the series opener against San Diego. The two-time All-Star is slashing .343/.392/.460 in 148 plate appearances this season.
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