Philadelphia Phillies' Johan Rojas Reveals Reason for Struggling Offensively

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas speaks about why he's struggled this season.

Apr 1, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas (18) attempts to evade Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) in a rundown in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. / Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies put together an impressive 10th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, winning the game 5-3. Arguably more important than anything else in the win was Johan Rojas going 3-4 with an RBI.

The 22-year-old has certainly struggled this season, evident by his .154/.241/.192 slash line. Rojas has four hits on the season, meaning he had more hits on Monday than he had in the entire year to date prior to that contest.

While Rojas slashed .302/.342/.430 in 2023, he was one of the worst players in baseball during the postseason. It was clear in October that he'd struggle offensively unless things changed, and that's exactly what's happening in the early part of the season.

Some have suggested moving him down to the minors and that conversation has been warranted. The Phillies have a real chance to win a World Series and having a free out at the bottom of the lineup typically doesn't lead to much success.

Perhaps this three-hit game can be what Rojas needed to get going. Baseball is a game of confidence, and considering he only has 193 big-league plate appearances, some struggles are to be expected.

He spoke about his three-hit night, talking about his approach at the plate. He had the following to say, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

"I think that I was a little shy at the plate before, right now what I can do is be myself," Rojas said through the team's interpreter.

If he can continue to do what he did, or at the very least, take good at-bats, it changes the potential of this offense. Philadelphia will need production out of everyone if they want to be the team everyone knows they can be, including Rojas.