Phillies Outfielder Gets Horse Steroid Update After MLB Announcement

The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping for some different results from largely the same roster next season.

After a disappointing playoff exit last year, the Phillies brought back Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto on new contracts and the pair will reunite with a familiar group as they try to make it to the World Series.

But on Monday, news broke that the team will be without another one of its long-time contributors for much of the season.

“Johan Rojas had been in Phillies camp this spring, playing in Grapefruit League games and practicing with teammates, while the past couple weeks awaiting word about his future with the club,” Todd Zolecki reported for MLB.com. “On Monday night, Major League Baseball announced that Rojas has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.”

Philadelphia Phillies Expected To Pursue Johan Rojas Replacement After Suspension

Rojas has been a member of the Phillies’ big-league outfield unit across parts of three seasons, though he seemed likely to open next season in the minors. Now it’s hard to say if he will ever find himself back in the majors as the team will have to seek a replacement elsewhere.

“Rojas’ suspension impacts the organization’s outfield depth,” Zolecki added. “The Phillies are expected to pursue help in the coming weeks.”

MLB’s announcement on Monday was also noteworthy as Rojas officially became the third member of the 2025 Phillies to be suspended for performance-enhancing drug use, joining reliever Jose Alvarado and outfielder Max Kepler. And it also turned some heads over the specific substance that Rojas tested positive for.

Philadelphia Phillies’ Johan Rojas Tests Positive For Horse Steroid

Boldenone is a synthetic-androgenic steroid used mostly in a veterinary drug meant for horses. It can increase muscle mass and strength in humans by stimulating red blood cell production, but it comes with significant health risks.

“Boldenone is an anabolic steroid developed for veterinary use, mostly for treatment of horses,” per the National Library of Medicine. “It is not indicated for use in humans in the U.S. and is only available through veterinary clinics.”

Players previously punished for positive Boldenone tests include the Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase, the Cincinnati Reds’ Neolvi Marte and the Kansas City Royals’ Jorge Bonifacio. But while use of the steroid among baseball players isn’t unprecedented, the risks associated with using a drug meant for horses are noteworthy.

If Rojas is able to continue his career with the Phillies, fans and the team are surely hoping that he can do so in a healthy way.