Watch: Debuting Phillies prospect makes incredible catch on first ball hit his way

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/15/23

Trotting out in his Major League debut Saturday for the Philadelphia Phillies, outfielder Johan Rojas wasted little time, making a huge defensive impact only two batters into the game.

In the top of the first inning, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. swatted a pitch from Phillies starter Ranger Suarez deep into the gap in right-centerfield. Still, Rojas tracked it down, slamming back-first into the outfield fence before launching a throw to first to double up second baseman Ha-seong Kim.

Rojas' astonishing play helped him make some unique franchise history. The 22-year-old is the first Phillie to record an outfield assist during their pro debut since 1948 (Jackie Mayo), per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

After the game, Suarez called the play "incredible," but admitted that he wasn't shocked, having witnessed Rojas do it before in the minor leagues.

"Coming in fresh and making a play like that says a lot about him," Suarez said via Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation. "But I'm not going to lie to you, I'm not surprised. When I spent some time in Reading, I saw him doing that pretty much every single game. He's an athlete."

The Phillies called up Rojas on Friday after he recorded nine home runs and 45 RBI while slashing .306/.361/.484 in 76 games with their Double-A affiliate, the Reading Phillies. For Rojas, who used to create himself on the "MLB: The Show" videogame, hearing the news of his call-up had him jumping for joy, literally.

"I would play PlayStation sometimes and I would be like, 'Yeah, I can be one of those guys,'" Rojas told Zolecki. "And I'm finally here. Even when I got to the ballpark today, I was like, 'Wow.' I had to pinch myself. I am actually here. I made it. It's been a great 24 hours."

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