Ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies’ matchup with the Cincinnati Reds, two key names were absent from the starting lineup: Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto.
Schwarber remained sidelined while battling an undisclosed illness, while Realmuto was given a planned day of rest. Interim manager Don Mattingly continues to be cautious with the veteran catcher’s workload as he works his way back after a knee injury suffered earlier in May.
Despite the short-handed lineup, Mattingly offered an encouraging update regarding top prospect Aidan Miller. Miller has been recovering from a lower back injury he suffered late in 2025, which forced him to miss the Arizona Fall League and pushed his expected return to 2026.
During his pregame press conference, Mattingly said Miller has begun “light baseball activities,” though he did not specify whether that includes swinging a bat. Even so, Mattingly emphasized that the organization feels Miller is trending in the right direction.
The update is a positive development considering Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski noted earlier in mid-May that the team planned to take a slow and careful approach with Miller’s recovery. Just days before, reports indicated the 21-year-old had not yet resumed baseball activities, making this progression notable.
There is still no firm timetable for Miller’s full return, and he is expected to spend most—if not all—of the season in Triple-A once healthy. If he avoids setbacks and finishes the year strong, fans in Philadelphia could see him make his major league debut the following season.
Miller was selected 27th overall in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Mitchell High School in Florida. Now regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball, he put together a strong season last year, slashing .264/.392/.433 with 14 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases across 432 at-bats.
He spent most of the season in Double-A before earning a promotion to Triple-A, where he surged late in the year, posting a 1.099 OPS from August 1 through the end of the season prior to his injury. His rapid rise included representing the Phillies at the 2024 All-Star Futures Game.
Where Miller ultimately fits defensively at the major league level remains uncertain. Trea Turner currently occupies shortstop, with Bryson Stott at second base and Alec Bohm typically handling third. Those roster decisions, however, are secondary for now, as the organization’s priority is getting one of its most promising young players back to full health.