The Philadelphia Phillies have been riding high with a dream start to the season, but the injury bug has started to bite. With Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh already sidelined for weeks, the team faced another blow as All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto joined the list.
Realmuto’s placement on the 10-day injured list due to “right knee pain” was announced via the Phillies’ official Twitter account, revealing that he is set to undergo surgery in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The absence of Realmuto, a consistent presence behind the plate, is a significant setback for the team. His durability has been a hallmark, with his 51 games played as catcher this season ranking among the league leaders, and his 133 games played in 2023 being the most at the position.
While the procedure Realmuto will undergo, a meniscectomy, typically involves a shorter recovery period compared to other knee surgeries, the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain. Speculation from reporters suggests a recovery timetable of four to eight weeks, although this is yet to be confirmed by Realmuto or the Phillies.
With Realmuto sidelined, the Phillies will turn to their backup catchers, Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán. Stubbs has struggled at the plate this season, while Marchán lacks significant big-league experience, having last played in 2021. The team will rely on them to step up in Realmuto’s absence, a challenging task given the catcher’s pivotal role in managing the pitching staff.
Despite the setback, the Phillies still boast offensive firepower, but the loss of their everyday catcher presents a formidable challenge. The team will need contributions from across the roster to compensate for Realmuto’s absence, with no guarantees of his swift return.
