Phillies activate J.T. Realmuto in series of roster moves

PITTSBURGH — The Phillies have activated catcher J.T. Realmuto from the injured list, the team announced prior to Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte was also recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room on the 26-man roster, catcher Rafael Marchan and right-handed pitcher Michael Mercado were optioned to Lehigh Valley.

Realmuto was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 11 with right knee pain. He underwent right knee meniscectomy surgery and was expected to miss about a month.

The Phillies went 17-15 in Realmuto’s absence, losing only two games over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East race. Both Marchan and Garrett Stubbs filled in nicely in his absence. Marchan, who posted an .894 OPS in 56 plate appearances with the big league club, will go down and be the everyday catcher in Lehigh Valley. He had certainly put up a good case to stay with the Phillies, but the team will likely stick with Realmuto and Stubbs and think more about the backup catcher spot in spring training next season.

We’ll have more on this story as more information becomes available.

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