Johan Rojas was spitting HOT FIRE following the Phillies’ sweep of the Dodgers, talks defense in centerfield and winning the World Series

The Philadelphia Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers last night, taking the finale at Citizens Bank Park by a final score of 5-1.

Aaron Nola dazzled on the mound, tossing six innings while allowing just four hits, one earned run, and two walks. He struck out nine to improve to 11-4 on the season. 

At the dish, Trea Turner continued his alien-like hot streak, crushing a solo home run to give the Phillies a one-run advantage in the bottom of the first inning. 

Trea Turner Homers AGAIN

Heat Check: Trea Turner went 6-for-9 with two home runs and 6 RBI against his former team. He’s on FIRE. 

Brandon Marsh followed Turner with a solo home run in the second inning to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. The Dodgers got a run back in the top of the fifth on a solo home run from Gavin Lux but Marsh struck again in the sixth, hitting a sharp line drive to right to score Nick Castellanos.

What’s Gotten Into Johan Rojas? 

Johan Rojas has been a topic of debate since the start of the season and with the MLB Trade Deadline just a few weeks away, the Phillies have been reportedly looking for more help in the outfield. 

Rojas was optioned to Triple A Lehigh Valley back in early June but got recalled later in the month – showing clear signs of improvement. 

In June, Rojas hit .257 with nine hits, 2 RBI, and 4 runs scored over 12 games. In July, he’s continued to provide the Phillies with something, hitting .233 with seven hits, 3 RBIs and 5 runs scored over 9 games played.

Last night, he made a ridiculous catch, covering more ground than there’s grass on planet earth with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. 

OH MY ROJAS pic.twitter.com/aHtGXKbONl

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 12, 2024

He also knocked in a run for the Phillies in the bottom of the seventh to give the Phillies a little extra insurance heading into the final two frames. 

Not Bad: Johan Rojas is batting .293 with RISP this season. 

Following the game, Rojas spoke with the media and started firing off some extra-spicy takes about his defense and the Phillies focus on winning the World Series which once you read em’ you’ll be prepared to run through every brick wall in the city.

Johan Rojas on Defense in Centerfield: 

Johan Rojas on his confidence when a ball is hit to him in CF

"Every hitter that hits the ball towards me. If he wants it to be a hit, he's gonna have to hit it out.

"Ball they hit. Ball I catch. It's not out. It's in my glove."#Phillies

— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 12, 2024

Johan Rojas on Phillies World Series Focus: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Liberty Line (@libertylinephl)

Christ almighty. I love both, honestly.

While Rojas has definitely struggled, it looks like his confidence is at an all-time high and I’ll take a heavy-dose of just that every single night, even more so if he’s going to be knocking RBI singles while playing elite defense.  

The scorching hot Philadelphia Phillies are off to a franchise best start at 61-32 we have heard time and time again about the “vibes” – so no secret that the Phillies have a killer clubhouse.

The vibes spreads like wildfire throughout the organization, starting with John Middleton and Dave Dombrowski building a contending roster and ending with each and every player on the roster – no matter your role on the team.

Is Johan Rojas painting a target on on the himself and the Phillies? Probably. There are people that still bring up Garrett Stubbs comments about jumping in the pool at the D-Backs ballpark when the Phillies still were still playing in the NLCS.

What people don’t realize is that the target is painted Red – just like the month of October and there’s not a person in the Delaware Valley who should doubt this baseball team.

“Anyone can come up in here, they’re gonna end up losing the game or the series” reminds me of what Alshon Jeffery said during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run: “Ain’t No If, We’re Bringing That Trophy Back to Philly”

Make no mistake. If you want the smoke, you’re going to have to win at Citizens Bank Park. The National League East runs through South Philly.

We don’t care what your record is or whatever numbers prove that you’re better than The Fightins. You’re not. Physically or Mentally. Don’t matter. This team is LOCKED in and focused after a disappointing finish last year.

Side Note: The Phillies best record in all of baseball against winning teams (23-13) so for the “easy schedule” nerds – think again before commenting.

All things Phillies baseball with TLL and Drew Smith – the BEST in the city >>

Ring It. See you on Broad Street.