{"id":679203,"date":"2026-04-19T15:54:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T15:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/679203\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T15:54:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T15:54:36","slug":"philadelphia-phillies-get-j-t-realmuto-update-during-braves-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/679203\/","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia Phillies Get J.T. Realmuto Update During Braves Series"},"content":{"rendered":"

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 26: Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson reacts during a pitching change in the ninth inning on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park on March 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

After losing 3-1 on Saturday night, the Philadelphia Phillies<\/a> dropped to 8-12. They will look to salvage the series on Sunday Night Baseball against the Atlanta Braves<\/a>, who have yet to lose a series this year.<\/p>\n

On Saturday night, the Phillies got a slight injury scare when J.T. Realmuto had to be removed from the game in favor of Rafael Marchan. Per postgame reports,<\/a> Realmuto had to be removed from the game due to lower back tightness.<\/p>\n

More MLB<\/a> on Heavy: New York Yankees Stat Puts Mets Losing Streak Into Perspective on Who Owns the City<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Philadelphia<\/p>\n

GettyPhiladelphia Phillies\u2019 Catcher JT Realmuto<\/p>\n

JT Realmuto Dealing with Back Tightness, Status for Sunday Unclear<\/p>\n

Per manager Rob Thomson, Realmuto had tweaked his back and left knee in Friday\u2019s game against the Braves. His knee was fine in Sunday\u2019s game, but the back issue flared up on him once again.<\/p>\n

Furthering that point, Thomson did also note that he doesn\u2019t think JT Realmuto will need an injured list stint, but his status for Sunday nights series finale is still unclear. One can assume he likely won\u2019t suit up, behind the plate at least, and might be used in a pinch-hitter role, but it wouldn\u2019t be wise to stick him behind the plate for a full game of catching duties if he\u2019s laboring a back injury.<\/p>\n

Realmuto is off to a solid start this season after inking a $45 million deal in the offseason. He\u2019s hitting .280 through 16 games with one home run and five runs scored, which is good for an OPS+ of 107. J.T. Realmuto had a below-average offensive season last year for the first time in his career, but it didn\u2019t matter for his contractual discussions with the Phillies, because Dave Dombrowski handed Realmuto a $15 million AAV deal.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: New York Mets Get Strong Social Media Reactions After Historic Losing Streak<\/a><\/p>\n

Realmuto\u2019s Durability is His Calling Card<\/p>\n

J.T. Realmuto, aside from always being a productive hitter, is known for his durability behind the plate.<\/p>\n

MLBTradeRumors.com\u2019s AJ Eustace<\/a> provided some insight on the value Realmuto brings to his team:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe veteran catcher has a reputation for durability, especially for the modern game. From 2022-25, Realmuto led the league with 491 games started behind the plate. Cal Raleigh was a distant second with 457 games in that span. Since joining the Phillies in February 2019, Realmuto has only been on the IL three times, with one of those being a one-day stint on the COVID IL in 2021.\u201d<\/p>\n

The only issue with a back situation like this is if it lingers for a couple of weeks, it will certainly hurt the Phillies\u2019 lineup in the meantime.<\/p>\n

Rafael Marchan just isn\u2019t that productive of a hitter, and it completely changes the dynamic of the Philadelphia lineup if Realmuto is not in it.<\/p>\n

But there will likely be more developments in the coming days on this issue, and a timeline for when he will return (if not on Sunday) soon.<\/p>\n

More MLB on Heavy: Phillies Trade Idea Lands Astros\u2019 All-Star Infielder for Zach Pop, Pitching Prospect<\/a><\/p>\n

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