John Clark and Ruben Amaro Jr. talk about potential trade deadline moves by the Phillies.
J.T. Realmuto appeared more likely to return in the Phillies’ second series back than the first, according to Rob Thomson’s assessment before the All-Star break, but it now appears that their starting catcher might be activated as soon as Saturday at PNC Park.
“He’s very, very close, but not sure yet,” Thomson stated before the Phillies’ Friday night series opening against the Pirates.
Realmuto, who continued his rehabilitation in Clearwater during the All-Star break, had a recovery day on Friday. It just depends on how his body reacts; there isn’t a last box for him to tick.
Rafael Marchan, the Phillies’ catcher, will probably be optioned back to Triple A when Realmuto is activated. In Realmuto’s absence, Marchan has performed admirably, going 15-for-51 (.294) with three home runs, four doubles, and a strong defence.
Although he may have to wait until 2025 to take on a major-league backup role, the 25-year-old appears ready for that position. While Stubbs is still on the roster, the Phillies would probably rather play him every day at Triple A than have him start once or twice a week in the majors.
In his first plate appearance on Friday, Stubbs took a pitch from Martin Perez right on the throwing hand. He was hurt, but he continued to play. When Realmuto is activated, the roster choice may take his circumstances into consideration.
Since the Phillies’ return from London on June 9, Realmuto has been sidelined due to a knee issue. He had a meniscectomy on June 12 after experiencing pain in his right meniscus since the first week of May.
In the games that Realmuto has missed, the Phillies have a 17-14 record.
After the team concludes in Pittsburgh, Zack Wheeler (back spasms) and Ranger Suarez (back tightness) should be able to return to the Phillies lineup in Minnesota.
On Friday, Suarez threw a flat-ground workout and both threw at 120 feet. The Phillies will choose Monday and Tuesday’s starting pitchers after Suarez’s bullpen session on Saturday.
Regarding Suarez, Thomson stated, “I’m quite certain that he’s fine but we’ll see tomorrow.”
The series was started by Aaron Nola on Friday night, followed by Tyler Phillips on Sunday afternoon and Cristopher Sanchez on Saturday night. Paul Skenes, the rookie sensation, will not play for the Phillies in this series. Luis L. Ortiz, a subpar right-hander, will pitch for the Pirates on Saturday. Perez and Marco Gonzales, two veteran lefties, will start the game with gentle tosses.
