J.T. Realmuto experiencing right knee soreness

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto is arguably one of the top, if not the best, catchers in Major League Baseball. Philadelphia paid a high price to acquire the now two-time All-Star, but it’s paying dividends. He’s caught 47 percent of base stealers (including pick-offs) and has played a career-high 145 games. Baseball fans know that the catcher position is one of the hardest in the sport. Durability is key and Realmuto has showed to be just that in his first season with the Phillies.

With eight games to go, though, Realmuto is not in the lineup as the Phils play five games against the Wild Card leading Nationals. According to Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Phillies’ backstop is experiencing right knee soreness. Although it isn’t thought to be serious, the team will evaluate him again on Tuesday, following an MRI, to determine his availability for their doubleheader at Nationals Park.

Realmuto, 28, is slashing .275/.328/.493 this season with 36 doubles, 25 home runs and 83 RBIs. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak has made it clear that re-signing Realmuto

is one of the team’s top priorities in the offseason.

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