J.T. Realmuto is back in the Phillies’ lineup, as the catcher has been officially activated from the team’s 10-day injured list. Right-hander Yunior Marte was also called up from Triple-A, and in corresponding moves, catcher Rafael Marchan and right-hander Michael Mercado were optioned to Triple-A.
After undergoing knee surgery on June 12, the expectation was that Realmuto would need roughly a month of recovery time, so he’ll return only slightly beyond that timeline (with the All-Star break also giving him a bit of extra time). The first-place Phillies have just kept on rolling even with Realmuto out, Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh also having lengthy IL stints, and Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber having minimal 10-day IL absences.
With Realmuto now back, Philadelphia is again operating with all of its first-choice position players, making things even scarier for opposing pitchers. Realmuto’s contributions to this powerhouse lineup have been fairly modest, as he has hit .261/.309/.411 over 223 plate appearances.
While still quite good for a catcher and above-average (102 wRC+) overall, Realmuto’s 26.9% strikeout rate is on pace to be the highest of his career, and his 5.4% walk rate would be his lowest since 2016 when he was still with the Marlins. These rates are both well below the league average, though Realmuto is still in the 88th percentile of hard-hit ball rate and he is continuing to barrel the ball, with seven homers thus far this season. The defense has been a mixed bag, with Realmuto throwing out 29% of baserunners but his blocking and framing work have been subpar. Even if Realmuto is slowing down a bit in his age-33 season, he is still an overall plus for the Phillies, and he also doesn’t even have to be a top contributor in such a loaded batting order.
Marchan saw his first MLB action since 2021 in Realmuto’s absence, and looked impressive in hitting .294/.345/.549 over 56 plate appearances. Despite these numbers, Marchan was likely optioned so he can continue to get regular playing time in Triple-A rather than get limited action as Realmuto’s backup, so Garrett Stubbs will continue on the active roster in the backup catcher role.
MARCHAN IS A BETTER PLAYER THAN STUBBS. RHE PHILLIES ACTIVE ROSTER IS NOT A MERITOCRACY.
Stubbs looks better in overalls
At least Stubbs is a lefty so he compliments realmuto the righty
Marchan is a SH
Mute yourself.
One bats RH, one LH.
Both are excellent handling the pitchers; running and calling a game.
The Phillies kept winning with Realmuto out. They didn’t need to trade for a name catcher that wasn’t as good as those two. And all those posters that wrote here that not only wouldn’t Realmuto be back till August…he might well miss the rest of the. season…..bring. up. nonsensical. stuff. like. that. every. single. day. of. each. season.
MLB rosters are fluid. Moves are made multiple times a week….more often as the season is drawing to a close. Until rosters are frozen more nit picky meaningless stuff is a waste of time. Phillles are one of the top 3 FO’s in MLB…and possibly THE top. They know what they’re doing. It’s a joy to watch what they do on the field and off…..and an education in how to run a franchise and play baseball properly.
250 million dollar payroll but still no legitimate closer and a unbalanced lineup. You are top three front office but get stingy when it comes to the two key pieces you must have to win it all ?? Dumbrowski is not the man yet my friend.
It really doesn’t matter who the backup is now, JT will catch a majority of the games, and once the playoffs start, the backup will never see the field.
Marchan could well be the key piece in a deadline deal.
Dumbrowski will stick with stubbs stubbornly, just like he refuses to see his closer Alvarado is not a legitimate closer. Just like he refuses to acknowledge the desperate need for a right handed everyday power bat. His starting pitching is fading fast as his bullpen begins to decay from Thompsons misuse. Atlanta is going nowhere.
Lol. Maybe you should refrain from posting, and showing everyone how clueless you are
Oh another somewhat philles fan . The lol gave you away. Been watching this team since before you were a thought. You are dismissed.
Just in time for the playoff push.
Lol good one like the 7.5 game lead without him left some doubt about them being a playoff team lol
Marchan is a switch hitter, and could be the back up now. He’s the back up of the future. Stubby will be gone sooner than later. Probably once his contract is up. In the meantime Marchin will play everyday at AAA so that he’s ready to be JTs back up for the playoffs and next year when he gets called up in September.
LMAO omfg this team hates good players
phillies012tg;
Good point.
And to think they have the best team winning percentage in MLB.
What a bunch of mah-rooons, huh?
P.S. Do you work in the American News Media?
There’s always next year. Some year, the Phillies may contend, but obviously this isn’t that year.
(it’s a shame too. Great ballpark like they have deserves better than this team of also-rans)
Stubbs is the team mascot. It would be bad for morale to cut him.
Free Marchan! Trade JT!
This is really bugging me, but it looks like Marchan has spent significant parts of the last 4 years in the minors, after debuting in 2020.
But each player only has 3 option years. What am I missing?
PS. he’s also been a well regarded catching prospect, so I can’t imagine the Phillies would’ve risked sending him through waivers.
I don’t know if this is the case with Marchan, but occasionally players are granted a 4th option year if they’ve been injured a lot. Which Marchan has.
I’m seeing a lot stupid comments from people who clearly don’t know anything that’s going on n don’t know what they’re talking about
Next yr marchan and jtr. Stubbs free agent
Next year Marchan and Stubbs. Trade JT for a good return and salary relief
Marchan is the heir apparent.
Don’t worry guys, Marchan will be back September 1st. They will probably wait until roster’s expand to add Turnbull as well. Hopefully he comes back fresh and gives the bullpen some length.
The Phillies FO has been in contact with the Angels, Orioles & Oakland A’s. Phils are asking about Cedric Mullins and/or Austin Hays. Baltimore is looking for a LH high leverage reliever and a mid rotation type SP. What if they traded T. Walker (plus cash), C. Pache & G. Soto or J. Alvarado for Austin Hays & Jacob Webb?
Something is brewing, and it won’t be Tommy Pham.
Marchan basically was on the IL for 2 years. The Phillies stuck with him. Obviously has potential.