Realmuto makes return to Miami as Phillies open weekend series with Marlins

It’s been just over two months since the Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins completed one of the biggest trades in the history of both of their franchises. On Feb. 7, 2019, the Phillies acquired All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto from the Marlins. It came at a steep price, though, as the Phillies were forced to part with No. 1 overall prospect Sixto Sanchez and 25-year-old catcher Jorge Alfaro as part of a larger package that headed to South Beach.

Tonight, Realmuto, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the Marlins, will return to Miami for the first time since the trade. The Phillies will see an old friend as well, with Alfaro catching and hitting fifth in Don Mattingly’s lineup.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a Friday evening tilt between the 7-4 Phillies and 3-10 Marlins:

Phillies Lineup 

1. Andrew McCutchen, left field
2. Jean Segura, shortstop
3. Bryce Harper, right field
4. Rhys Hoskins, first base
5. J.T. Realmuto, catcher
6. Odubel Herrera, center field
7. Cesar Hernandez, second base
8. Maikel Franco, third base
9. Jake Arrieta, pitcher

Marlins Lineup

1. Curtis Granderson, left field
2. Brian Anderson, third base
3. Neil Walker, first base
4. Starlin Castro, shortstop
5. Jorge Alfaro, catcher
6. Miguel Rojas, shortstop
7. Austin Dean, right field
8. Rosell Herrera, center field
9. Sandy Alcantara, pitcher

Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Matchup

• Jake Arrieta (1-1 with a 2.77 ERA and 6.32 FIP) vs. Sandy Alcantara (1-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 3.34 FIP)
• Arrieta has struck out just seven batters in his first two starts of 2019.
• In his season debut, Alcantara went eight shutout innings, while only allowing four hits. However, the 23-year-old walked five and lasted just four innings in his second start of 2019.

Pregame Phillies Nuggets

1. In 929 career at-bats at Marlins Park, J.T. Realmuto has slashed .245/.294/.384 with 22 home runs and 106 RBIs. In 1,068 at-bats away from Marlins Park, Realmuto has slashed .307/.354/.490 with 37 home runs and 138 RBIs.
2. Jorge Alfaro has a career .401 batting average on balls in play, but just a .269 career batting average. That means he doesn’t put the ball in play enough to be as successful as he potentially could be. He’s struck out in 35.4 percent of his major league at-bats, which has certainly contributed to that trend.
3. Curtis Granderson has 13 career home runs against the Phillies.

Programming Information

• 7:05 p.m. ET at Marlins Park
• NBC 10
• SportsRadio 94 WIP

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