Johan Rojas Achieves English Speaking Goal Amid On-Field Challenges

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Johan Rojas, a 24-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, has made significant strides in his English language skills, enhancing his communication during postgame interviews. Starting this season, he set a personal goal to conduct all his media interactions in English, a language he continues to master since arriving in the United States in 2019.

“I’ve gone from zero to 10 in my comfort level,” Rojas said, reflecting on his progress. With interpreter Diego D’Aniello available for assistance, Rojas often finds he can respond directly to questions without needing support. This season marks the first time Rojas has consistently engaged with the media in English.

Rojas credits his teammates for helping him boost his confidence through daily practice. “When I got here, I learned fast. I talk with the guys and ask questions,” he explained. Fellow outfielder Nick Castellanos has observed Rojas’s growing proficiency since their initial meeting, noting that their conversations can now flow seamlessly between Spanish and English.

“If there’s an avenue that he’s trying to come across, he’ll switch over to Spanish,” Castellanos said, “which makes it easier for both of us.” As of this season, Rojas has maintained a batting average of .278. Despite some early-season struggles with fielding, he remains committed to his development both on and off the field.

Rojas’s defensive skills have been notable; he committed only two errors in each of the last two seasons. However, he encountered challenges this season, having already been charged with an error after a miscommunication with Edmundo Sosa led to a dropped fly ball, which was ruled a double.

“That ball is mine. I have to catch it. There’s no excuse,” Rojas admitted after the play. His dedication to improving his English, even during tough moments, highlights a remarkable commitment.

“There’s some vulnerability in speaking to everybody else to kind of know that, ‘Hey, I’m learning,’” Castellanos noted. “You don’t want to say something wrong.” Rojas emphasizes the importance of clarity for fans. “So the fans, they know what I say,” he stated. He began with simple one-on-one conversations and has gradually become more comfortable during media interviews.

Paco Figueroa, the Phillies‘ outfield coach, serves as a bilingual resource for Rojas. Figueroa has encouraged Rojas to continue practicing his English during the offseason. Rojas took part in the Dominican Winter League and leveraged opportunities to practice the language with his cousins, along with watching English television shows. Rojas also speaks English at home with his children, Johan Jr. and Stiven Jr., who are growing up bilingual.

“If he wants to do it, he’s going to do it,” Castellanos said, expressing confidence in Rojas’s potential. Rojas’s drive has also inspired some of his Spanish-speaking teammates, including Sosa, to pursue English language classes.

“We talked in spring training, and I think [Sosa] tried to get a class to speak more English too,” Rojas shared, emphasizing the collective effort among teammates to bridge language gaps.

Rojas started in center field during the Phillies’ game on Thursday, as teammate Brandon Marsh was sidelined due to soreness in his right knee. The team will reevaluate Marsh after he meets with the doctor. The Phillies continue to navigate the season with significant hope and resilience, facing off against the Miami Marlins in their upcoming home series.