No need to panic about J.T. Realmuto

J.T. Realmuto (knee) is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Washington Nationals, but there’s no need to panic over the health of the best catcher in baseball.

He’s day-to-day after taking a foul ball to the knee in the seventh inning of Tuesday’s game. The good thing is the ball hit him in the muscle on the inside of the knee as opposed to the bone. Joe Girardi is confident that Realmuto will be available to hit and catch off the bench in Wednesday’s game.

Instead, Andrew Knapp will make his ninth start behind the plate this season. Both Knapp and starting pitcher Zack Wheeler have worked well together. Hitters have a combined OPS of .455 in 57 plate appearances against Wheeler with Knapp as his catcher this season. Last time out, Wheeler threw his second-career complete-game shutout with the help of his trusted batterymate.

“I think he’s done a really good job behind home plate for us all year long,” Girardi said. “I thought he did a great job last year. I think he’s very prepared like J.T. and they actually work a lot together in tandem.”

The lack of news regarding left-handed reliever JoJo Romero’s health is not as encouraging. Romero, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a left elbow sprain on May 6, has undergone tests, but both Romero and the club are still deciding what the next steps are for him. Girardi was unable to provide further details when asked if Romero is pondering surgery.

In more positive injury news, a pair of injured outfielders are making progress towards a return. Roman Quinn (laceration of the right index finger) began hitting in the cage and could get some at-bats on Friday. He’s currently with the team and is eligible to come off the injured list Saturday.

Matt Joyce (right calf strain) is rehabbing from his injury in Clearwater. They’ll get a better sense of where he’s at when the team travels to Dunedin to take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Like Quinn, Joyce is eligible to come off the injured list Saturday.

“They’re actually progressing really well,” Girardi said.

Archie Bradley (left oblique strain) is set to make a rehab appearance on Wednesday night with Lehigh Valley. If all goes well, he’s expected to make another one on Saturday. If no injury concern arises, Bradley should be back in the bullpen for the team’s next slate of home games, which begins on Tuesday.

Tonight’s Lineups

Phillies

1. Andrew McCutchen, left field
2. Jean Segura, second base
3. Bryce Harper, right field
4. Rhys Hoskins, first base
5. Alec Bohm, third base
6. Didi Gregorius, shortstop
7. Andrew Knapp, catcher
8. Odúbel Herrera, center field
9. Zack Wheeler, pitcher

Nationals

1. Andrew Stevenson, center field
2. Trea Turner, shortstop
3. Juan Soto, right field
4. Ryan Zimmerman, first base
5. Kyle Schwarber, left field
6. Starlin Castro, third base
7. Alex Avila, catcher
8. Jon Lester, pitcher
9. Jordy Mercer, second base

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