Phillies news and rumors 4/10: J.T. Realmuto has bruised neck

J.T. Realmuto was removed from Tuesday night’s game. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

In the bottom of the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night, J.T. Realmuto attempted to block a pitch by Zack Wheeler that ended up in the dirt. Instead of bouncing off of Realmuto’s chest protector, the ball hit him in the throat/neck area.

The Phillies’ catcher was clearly in pain and was checked out by the club’s medical staff on the field. Eventually, Realmuto was removed from the game and replaced by backup catcher Garrett Stubbs.

After the game, Phillies’ skipper Rob Thomson spoke with reporters, including MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, and provided an update on Realmuto. He has a bruised neck, tested negative for a concussion and will be re-evaluated at some point on Wednesday, per Thomson.

With Wednesday’s game being scheduled for a 1:15 p.m. ET first pitch, it’s possible Realmuto wasn’t going to play after catching a night game on Tuesday. Given the current circumstances, that now seems like a guarantee.

Realmuto is a tough player. He’s caught the most games in baseball (561) since he joined the Phillies in 2019. But any head/neck injury should be handled with extreme caution.

Other Must-Read Phillies Content

The Phillies lost 3-0 to the Cardinals on Tuesday night as they wasted several potential run-scoring opportunities. Here’s a recap of the contest from Phillies Nation’s Ty Daubert.
Spencer Turnbull has looked good in his two starts so far this season. And as Phillies Nation’s Tim Kelly points out, the club has plenty of time to figure out the right-hander’s role once Taijuan Walker returns from injury.
Does Rhys Hoskins think he’ll get booed when he returns to Citizens Bank Park later this season? Yes, but not in the way certain headlines have made it seem. Our own Tim Kelly has more on Hoskins’ recent comments about his eventual return to South Philly.

Former Phillies Nation

Over the last week, a number of big-league pitchers have been placed on the injured list by their respective organizations with elbow-related issues. Former Phillie and current Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta joined that group on Tuesday as he was placed on the injured list with a right elbow flexor strain

. The now 31-year-old was off to a strong start this year, allowing one earned run on eight hits with 13 strikeouts in his two starts.