The Philadelphia Phillies got some encouraging news about catcher J.T. Realmuto after he left the game against the Miami Marlins with what initially looked like a concerning injury. With star shortstop Trea Turner already unavailable, the team could hardly afford another major setback, but the update on Realmuto has eased those worries for fans.
Anxieties rose in the Phillies’ dugout when J.T. Realmuto was forced to leave the game after a foul ball struck his hand. Early evaluations revealed a contusion on his right index finger, sparking concern that he might end up on the injured list alongside Trea Turner. With the NL East crown already clinched, Philadelphia’s main focus is staying healthy for October, and the possibility of being without their starting catcher added another layer of unease for the team and its supporters.
Luckily for Philadelphia, X-rays on Realmuto’s finger came back negative, easing fears of a serious injury. According to MLB.com’s Paul Casella, the All-Star catcher is listed as day-to-day. Manager Rob Thomson admitted the foul tip left its mark, noting, “That was quite a blow he took to his finger. But X-rays were negative, and we’ll check him out tomorrow.” Despite the pain, Realmuto still finished the top of the ninth behind the plate, even tossing a few warm-up throws before being replaced by Rafael Marchan. The switch was made because Realmuto couldn’t grip the bat well enough to hit, as he was due to lead off the bottom half of the inning.
Realmuto’s Vital Presence
J.T. Realmuto’s durability has been a driving force behind the Phillies’ success in 2025. He leads all Major League catchers with 1,123.1 innings caught, a testament not only to his endurance but also to the pivotal role he plays in managing Philadelphia’s pitching staff. With October looming, the coaching staff may look to ease his workload to help ward off any further setbacks.
Pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, who tossed seven scoreless innings with Realmuto guiding him on Tuesday, underscored just how invaluable his catcher is: “He’s super important to us. He’s one of the best catchers in the game. We’re basically nothing without him. So he’s just a key player and a key piece for all of us.” As the Phillies gear up for a postseason run, ensuring Realmuto’s health will remain a top priority.