It’s been a long time coming, but the Philadelphia Phillies have finally welcomed star catcher J.T. Realmuto back to the lineup after a lengthy absence due to injury. On Saturday, the organization confirmed Realmuto’s activation and optioned catcher Rafael Marchán back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
In addition, the Pirates recalled right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte from Triple-A and sent rookie Michael Mercado to Lehigh Valley.
Phillies announce two demotions and activate J.T. Realmuto off IL.
Marte made two appearances with the IronPigs, allowing one run on one hit while striking out two and walking one. He has a 3.31 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP in 16 1/3 major league innings this season.
Mercado’s demotion isn’t shocking. After an excellent debut and good first MLB start, his last two games were everything but, as he closes his maiden stint in the big leagues with a 9.26 ERA over 11 2/3 innings.
The roster move to demote Marchán is also not surprising, given that the incumbent Garrett Stubbs is locked in as the major league backup. While some Phillies fans wanted Stubbs demoted in favor of Marchán’s hitting, the team wants to keep their Chief Vibes Officer around for the final run.
Marchán had an outstanding hitting line in 17 games with the Phillies.294/.345/.549 with three homers, six RBI, and eight runs scored. The 25-year-old will get regular at-bats at Triple-A with the IronPigs and, as long as he stays healthy, will be the first call the Phillies make if another catcher is required this season.
Realmuto, on the other hand, hasn’t played for the Phillies in what feels like an eternity. On June 9, he played his final game overseas at the London Series before being shut down to have surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee.
Before his trip to the IL, the 33-year-old was hitting.In 51 games, he hit 261/.309/.411 with seven home runs and 20 RBI despite dealing with an injured knee. He’ll return to the middle of the Phillies’ ever-deeper lineup, having filled in for Trea Turner in the two-hole before to surgery.
With Realumto back in the lineup, the Phillies will field their entire lineup for the first time since Turner was placed on the disabled list on May 3. Not that it has slowed them down; despite the numerous injuries to prominent players this season, they have the best record in the MLB.
