The Los Angeles Dodgers did not have a PED problem with Miguel Rojas. They had a credibility problem created for them by someone else.
For a few damaging minutes this week, a false report on social media claimed Rojas had been suspended 80 games for using performance-enhancing drugs. That report was incorrect. The player who received the suspension was Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas, who MLB said tested positive for Boldenone. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich later deleted the incorrect post, clarified that it was Johan Rojas, and apologized publicly to Miguel Rojas and the Dodgers on Wednesday.
That correction is important, but it does not undo the damage.
Miguel Rojas made this clear when addressing the issue. His dissatisfaction was not motivated by the belief that reporters can never make mistakes. It stemmed from how serious this particular error was. An accusation of PED use is not a minor misunderstanding, especially when the post specifically mentions “Miguel Rojas from the Los Angeles Dodgers.” Rojas explained that the issue affected not only him but also the organization he represents.
False PED Reports Are Not Harmless Mistakes
A PED accusation is one of the most damaging allegations in baseball. Even when corrected quickly, the label remains in search results, screenshots, group chats, and fan memories. That is what distinguishes this from a typical typo or misidentified lineup card.
Rojas isn’t just another bench infielder taking up space at the bottom of a roster. He is one of the Dodgers’ most visible veteran voices, a respected clubhouse presence, and a player whose reputation has been built over time, not just weeks. When his name is linked to steroids, even if falsely, it raises immediate suspicion. Some people notice the correction. Others see only the original claim and believe it is true.
That is why Rojas had every reason to expect more than a delete-and-correct cycle.
Drellich’s public apology on Wednesday was both appropriate and important. But Rojas’ reaction reflected a larger truth about modern sports coverage: speed can cause collateral damage that no apology can fully repair. In an era where one post can outrun the facts in seconds, the burden on national reporters has increased rather than decreased.
Dodgers Veteran Had Every Reason to Defend His Name
What distinguishes Rojas’ response is that he did not appear interested in turning the incident into a long-running media war. According to multiple accounts, he attempted to keep the focus on principle. He essentially stated that mistakes occur, but those affected deserve direct accountability. This is a measured response, not an overreaction.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, this was also about timing.
Opening Day is coming to a close. The team is working to finalize roles, stay focused, and prepare for another title push. The last thing a veteran leader needs is to answer questions about a suspension he did not receive. Even a brief false report can disrupt a clubhouse, frighten family members, and generate unnecessary buzz around a contender.
This story should not continue because Miguel Rojas did nothing wrong. It should serve as a reminder of the dangers of careless reporting when it comes to PED accusations. The facts are straightforward: Miguel Rojas never tested positive, was never suspended, and should never have had to correct someone else’s error in the first place.
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