Johan Rojas slated to start Opening Day for Phillies

It appears that Johan Rojas will be the Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day center fielder when the team hosts the Atlanta Braves on Thursday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

Rojas, 23, struggled during the playoffs last season going just 4-43 (.093), striking out 15 times in 13 games. He also hasn't done much during Grapefruit League play, hitting .170 in 52 plate appearances.

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Rojas flashed some potential last season after getting a surprise call-up, slashing .302/.342/.430 in 59 games playing exceptional defense.

Here is what Phillies manager Rob Thomson said about Rojas.

“For me, as long as he doesn’t get buried, we’re a better team with him on the club. We are. Just because of the defense.”

So what are the Phillies options other than Rojas?

The Phillies seem to be saying his defense and the runs he saves in center field is enough to hold off Cristian Pache, another defensive wiz. Pache had a better Spring Training at the plate, hitting .278 with 10 hits, and two home runs in 36 at-bats, but has been inconsistent at the plate during his four big league seasons hitting just .173 in 91 MLB games.

Last season with the Phillies he hit .238 with a .318 on-base percentage in 48 games.

Thomson has said that Brandon Marsh and Whit Merrifield are options in center field, but for now, you will see Rojas hitting in the No. 9 spot on Thursday.