PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list and will return to action against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Realmuto was placed on the IL on June 11, retroactive to June 10, and underwent meniscectomy surgery on his right knee on June 12. He is slated to bat fifth in the lineup.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Realmuto’s importance to the team but noted the “next-man-up” mentality has been crucial in his absence. The Phillies have managed a 17-15 record without Realmuto. Despite this, they are leading the league with a 62-35 record, though they have lost three of their last four games, including a narrow 8-7 defeat to the Pirates on Friday after holding a 7-4 lead entering the seventh inning.
Thomson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance during Realmuto’s absence, emphasizing his expectation for excellence.
J.T. Realmuto, a career .272 hitter over 11 major league seasons with the Phillies and the Miami Marlins, boasts 161 home runs and 598 RBIs. He had a career-best 17-game hitting streak from May 4-28, the longest by a Phillies catcher since at least 1900.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson indicated that while Realmuto will be eased back into play, the team anticipates he will resume a full workload in the coming weeks.
In addition to Realmuto’s return, the Phillies have recalled right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make space on the 26-man roster, catcher Rafael Marchán and right-handed pitcher Michael Mercado have been optioned to Lehigh Valley.
Thomson praised Marchán’s performance, noting he showed he belongs in the majors but needs regular playing time to stay prepared in case of future needs.