After taking over in center field because of injuries to Cristian Pache and Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas has proven to be reliable. In 33 games this season, he has a .310/.355/.437 line with a home run and 16 RBI.
Johan Rojas Shines
Johan Rojas has 10 defensive runs saved in his first 226 innings in center field, according to FanGraphs. Those 10 defensive runs saved lead the Phillies this season, among players who have played at least 100 innings at any position. Furthermore, Rojas ranks third in the NL in double plays turned by center fielders with two turned so far this season. If Rojas plays like this long-term, he could win multiple Gold Gloves during his career.
The Phillies have needed a defensive upgrade in the outfield for years, and Rojas is the best defensive outfielder for the Phillies since Shane Victorino. Rojas has excelled for the Phillies at the plate in addition to his great fielding. In his last seven games, Rojas has a .429/.467/.643 line with two RBI.
Eat. Sleep. Johan Rojas. pic.twitter.com/BGKYlswbpR
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) August 18, 2023
While Rojas is not the most powerful player on the team, he has gotten on base consistently. On the base paths, he has seven stolen bases this season. There is a noticeable difference in the numbers Rojas has when ahead in the count compared to being behind in the count. While ahead in the count, he has a .471/.571/.529 line compared to a .140/.159/.163 line when he’s behind. Rojas should improve in this area as he continues to gain more experience at the Major League level.
As Johan Rojas Shines, Another Phillies Outfielder Is Doing The Same
During 10 games in the month of August, Marsh has a .414/485/.690 line with two home runs and eight RBI. According to FanGraphs, Marsh has a .497 wOBA with a 218 wRC+ this month. In his last seven games, Marsh has a .476/.560/.714 line with a home run and four RBI. During that stretch, Marsh has a .541 wOBA and a 248 wRC+. Since the All-Star break Marsh has a 1.009 OPS. Overall for the season, Marsh has a .289/.375/.471 line with nine home runs and 47 RBI. This season Marsh has a 130 OPS+ which would be a career best if it stands. That is not the only offensive category Marsh is on track to set a new career best. So far Marsh has an oWAR of 3.0 which is on track to be a new personal record by a wide margin. Marsh has not had an oWAR above 1.0 in either of his two prior seasons.
Phillies Dominant Weekend
The Phillies’ dominant weekend against the St. Louis Cardinals helps them come closer to securing an NL Wild Card spot. The three-game series saw the Phillies sweep the Cardinals. Furthermore, the Phillies outscored the Cardinals 22-3 in the three games. Currently, the Phillies sit at 72-58 and in 2nd in the NL East, 12 1/2 games back of the division-leading Atlanta Braves who are well on their way to being NL East champions. In addition, the Phillies now hold a three-game advantage over the Chicago Cubs for the top NL Wild Card spot. To complete an important nine-game home stand, the Los Angeles Angels will visit Philadelphia to play the Phillies between August 28th and August 30th. The Phillies will then head on the road for six games between September 1st and September 7th.
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During the Cardinals series, the Phillies set a new team record for most home runs in a calendar month with 49 through their game on August 27th with three games still to play this month. Nick Castellanos hit the home run that set the new team record. On the mound Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola combined for 19 strikeouts in their respective outings. In the process, Nola is now tied with Curt Schilling for fifth on the Phillies’ all-time strikeout list. These performances are much needed as the rotation is trying to get back on track before the postseason. In a potential best-of-three NL Wild Card Series the Phillies are likely to rely on Wheeler and Nola to start. Reliable starting pitching will be needed for the Phillies in the postseason if they plan on going back to the World Series.
Main photo credits:
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
