Phillies Adding Third Catcher for London Series Raises Concerns about J.T. Realmuto
The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up to take on the NL East rival New York Mets in the MLB London Series this weekend. As the teams are allowed an extra player on the roster, a 27th man, just like for doubleheaders, the Phillies have made a strategic decision for the upcoming series.
Manager Rob Thomson announced that catcher Rafael Marchán will be added to the active roster in London. This move comes amidst concerns about the health and performance of their star catcher, J.T. Realmuto. With Realmuto dealing with some recent injuries and rough plays behind the plate, the Phillies opted to play it safe and carry a third catcher against the Mets for the weekend series.
The decision to add Marchán as the 27th man is seen as a precautionary measure by the team to provide some insurance in case Realmuto needs additional rest or is unable to play at his best. Realmuto had a challenging series against the Milwaukee Brewers, with incidents like being hit by a pitch and taking some tough blows during plays.
Marchán, who recently came off the injured list, has had his own share of setbacks due to injuries in the past. Despite showing promise in Triple-A, his performance has been inconsistent. However, his presence on the roster for the London Series ensures that the Phillies have a backup plan in place.
As fans hope for Realmuto’s return to top form, having Marchán as a backup catcher provides a sense of security for the team as they face off against the Mets overseas. The addition of a third catcher highlights the Phillies’ dedication to ensuring their players’ well-being and readiness for the challenges ahead.