Categories: Phillies Beat with Destiny Lugardo

Johan Rojas OK after scary moment following Cristian Pache’s walk-off hit

Johan Rojas is in the lineup after a scary moment following Monday’s game. (Grace Del Pizzo/Phillies Nation)

Phillies fans held their breath as they watched the team stream out of the dugout after Cristian Pache hit a walk-off single to give his team a 2-1 series-opening win against the Colorado Rockies on Monday.

As players congratulated Pache in right field, Johan Rojas, who ran out of the dugout with his teammates, was leaning over and appeared to be in pain. Brandon Marsh offered his assistance as the two walked off the field and back into the dugout. It was initially feared that he had suffered a knee or foot injury.

But Rojas told Phillies Nation’s Tim Kelly in the clubhouse after the game that he’s “fine.” He’s back in the lineup, batting ninth and playing center field.

Manager Rob Thomson said before Tuesday’s game against the Rockies that Rojas “got stepped on” and that it “scared [Rojas]” more than anything. Thomson initially was not aware of the situation when asked about it in his postgame press conference after Monday’s game.

Rojas is off to a slow start at the plate. In 14 games, Rojas is slashing .175/.233/.200. The quality of his at-bats have improved since the start of the season, but the Phillies and Rojas are eager for the results to come.

Rojas isn’t the only position player off to a cold start. Nick Castellanos is still looking for his first extra-base hit of the season, Bryce Harper is hitting into some tough luck and Whit Merrifield is struggling in a part-time role. The team is averaging 3.5 runs per game, which ranks last behind the Miami Marlins in the National League.