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Phillies Outfielder Feels 'Best' After Incredible Ninth Inning Catch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated May 2, 2025 10:50 PM ET

Johan Rojas wasn't supposed to play Friday night. It had nothing to do with his base-running mistake the night prior, or his defensive miscues before that. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that he just needed a day or two off.

But plans often go wrong. Cal Stevenson was picked off first base in the sixth inning, and soon after, he misjudged a fly ball that led to a double and, eventually, a run scoring.

So Thomson put Rojas back out there - and it's a good thing, too.

Rojas made a spectacular catch to get the first out in the ninth, crashing into the outfield wall in the process. Take a look:

JOHAN ROJAS!!! WOW!!! pic.twitter.com/U2M51eTGOx
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) May 3, 2025

Rojas took a few moments to get up, but he was alright after the collision.

After the game, the Philly center fielder - who was sore heading into the game - shrugged off any injury concern.

"I feel fine," Rojas said. "The best, because we win."

Johan Rojas on how he feels after crashing into the wall making his catch in the ninth: “I feel fine — the best because we win.”

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/ZlH9cpG17B
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) May 3, 2025

Rojas has undergone a revitalization ever since Brandon Marsh landed on the injured list. He's raised his batting average from .250 to .300 and made several great plays in the outfield. There is still the occasional mental mistake, but the 24-year-old is looking a lot more like his rookie self than the one who was outmatched at the plate most of last year.

Although his streak of 14 consecutive starts is over, Rojas could get back in the starting lineup Saturday... or he could take a seat again if Marsh is finished with his rehab assignment. Marsh played two more games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley for six total.

If it is Marsh in center, he should be on a very short leash - his bat was nowhere to be found before getting hurt.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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