J.T. Realmuto To Start Fewer Games Behind The Plate
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson wants to preserve catcher J.T. Realmuto's body this season, which will almost certainly mean that he will catch fewer games in 2025. "I don't have a specific number I want to catch. There's no perfect answer, no way to know how my body is going to feel. Where I stand right now, there's no reason I shouldn't be able to catch (120 games). My body feels as good right now as it ever has," Realmuto said. The 33-year-old has caught 130 games in three of his five full years with the Phillies, but that number dropped to 99 in 2024 after he had surgery on his meniscus in June. He stole only two bases last year stealing 37 the previous three years. On days he doesn't catch in 2025, the Phillies would like him to DH and play first base and possibly left field. With Realmuto likely to run less again in 2025, his fantasy stock as an aging catcher has taken a hit, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 12 fantasy backstop.
As expected, Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) is catching and batting fifth for the Phillies on Friday against the division-rival New York Mets and left-hander Jose Quintana at Citizens Bank Park. Realmuto fouled a ball off his left knee and hasn't played for the Phillies since Sept. 6. The 33-year-old veteran backstop is obviously feeling better now, though, and will be ready for a crucial divisional series this weekend in Philly. Realmuto missed time earlier this summer after having minor knee surgery as well, and it appears to have sapped him of a lot of power. The three-time All-Star has only 12 long balls on the year and has driven in 40 while slashing .266/.322/.425 in 86 total games. Still, Realmuto needs to be returned to all fantasy lineups. In 14 career at-bats against Quintana, he's hitting .286 with a .912 OPS, a homer and an RBI.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) could play by the start of the series against the division-rival New York Mets on Friday, according to manager Rob Thomson. Realmuto still has some swelling and fluid in his bruised left knee. The Phillies hoped that Realmuto could test his knee by catching a bullpen session on Monday, but that will wait until at least Tuesday. The 33-year-old has so far been able to avoid the 10-day injured list, but he's missing a third straight game on Monday. If Realmuto isn't able to return during the upcoming weekend series against New York, there's a good chance the Phillies will put him on the IL and hope to have him fully healthy for the start of the playoffs in October. Garrett Stubbs will continue to serve as Philly's starting catcher until the swelling in Realmuto's left knee goes down.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) remains out of the lineup on Saturday afternoon as the Phillies continue a series against the Miami Marlins. The backstop left Friday's game early in the second inning after taking a foul ball to his left knee. As a result, Garrett Stubbs will be behind the plate and bat in the nine-hole. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Phillies lineup ahead of their game on Sunday. Stubbs has made just three starts since August 25 and is not worth putting in your DFS lineup as he will face Miami right-hander Darren McCaughan.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) exited Friday's game early with a bruised knee. Realmuto fouled a ball off his knee in the second inning before notching his second RBI single of the night. He wasn't replaced until the top of the fourth when he was pinch-hit for by Garrett Stubbs. Fantasy managers will want to monitor Realmuto's status going forward but it should be assumed the catcher will be day-to-day going forward as the injury isn't a serious one. The 33-year-old has put up solid offensive numbers yet again, hitting for a 105 OPS+ with 40 RBI. When healthy the right-hander will provide solid value from the catcher position. If Realmuto is forced to miss any time then expect Stubbs to start in his place, though his 64 OPS+ on the season makes him irrelevant in all fantasy formats.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto stayed hot at the plate on Wednesday by going 1-for-4 with a solo shot to power the Phillies to a series sweep over the Toronto Blue Jays. Entering this game, the backstop carried a strong .333/.350/.667 line with four doubles, three home runs, and nine RBI in his past ten games. Overall, the 33-year-old has maintained a solid .261/.317/.422 slash line with 12 home runs and two stolen bases this summer. Fantasy managers should continue to keep Realmuto in their lineups throughout the remainder of the season. The catcher will look to continue this hot surge on Thursday as he faces Marlins right-hander Adam Oller who currently carries a modest 3.31 ERA.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park. Garrett Stubbs will do the catching for right-hander Taijuan Walker and will bat ninth against Astros rookie right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. It's just a normal day of rest for Realmuto in a day game after a night contest. The veteran catcher has hit .273 (27-for-99) in 27 games since returning from knee surgery on July 20, but it's come with just three home runs in 110 plate appearances, with two of the homers coming in the same game on Aug. 24. It appears Realmuto's knee surgery has sapped him of his power, and he's sitting at only 10 dingers after reaching the 20-homer mark for the second straight season in 2023. Stubbs will be a low-upside catching option for DFS lineups on Wednesday.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is getting a breather on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Garrett Stubbs will catch right-hander Taijuan Walker for the Phillies and will bat in the nine-hole against Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin. Realmuto will get a much-needed day off after starting each of the team's last six games. He missed over a month due to a knee injury, and since his return on July 20, Realmuto hasn't been nearly as good, hitting .230/.321/.311 with only one home run, three doubles, seven RBI, nine walks and 14 strikeouts in 20 games played. In 13 games in August, the veteran All-Star catcher has gone 11-for-48 (.229) with a homer, three doubles, seven RBI and nine strikeouts. DFS gamers can probably find better sleeper options than Stubbs at catcher. Stubbs has never faced Irvin in his career.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as this appears to be a routine rest day for Realmuto. In his absence, Drew Stubbs will do the catching and bat ninth versus right-hander Joey Cantillo. Fantasy managers who have Realmuto rostered should get him out of their lineups before first pitch.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto will get the day off to rest in Wednesday's matinee affair and series finale against the hosting Minnesota Twins. Backup Garrett Stubbs will make the start behind the plate and will hit eighth for the Phillies versus Twins left-hander Steven Okert. It's just a regular breather for Realmuto in a day game after a night game. The 33-year-old recently came off the injured list last Saturday after having surgery on his knee and has gone 2-for-9 with a run scored in three walks in three games in the second half of the season. When active, the three-time All-Star remains a must-start in all fantasy lineups as one of the better offensive-minded catchers in the league on the best team in baseball. Realmuto is currently slashing .259/.315/.403 with seven home runs, 20 RBI and 29 runs scored in 54 games in 2024.
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