Phillies

Garrett Stubbs is Back as J.T Realmuto Heads to the Injured List

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Apr 22nd, 2026 · 2:31 PM EDT

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Phillies catcher J.T Realmuto is heading to the injured list with a lower back injury, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

Realmuto has missed a few games over the last couple of weeks with nagging back and foot injuries. The Phillies currently can’t catch a break on the field, and now, they’ll lose their starting catcher to the injured list.

The Phillies will promote Garrett Stubbs to the majors ahead of Wednesday night’s game, and he will split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan, according to Gelb. Marchan has struggled to start the year, going just 2 for 31 with a .255 OPS. Stubbs has started off hot with the Iron Pigs after clearing waivers back around Opening Day. Stubbs is hitting .289 with a .413 on-base percentage and a 1.045 OPS with 3 homers and 8 RBIs in 38 at-bats.

Realmuto currently has a .696 OPS on the year, and he’s currently leading all right-handed hitters. That is certainly an issue, even before the veteran hit the IL. Trea Turner is hitting .234 with a .634 OPS, Alec Bohm is having the worst stretch of his career with a .384 OPS, and Adolis Garcia has just a .634 OPS after cooling off the last few weeks.

It hasn’t been a good start for the Phillies, that’s no secret. Somebody in the lineup is going to have to step up, other than Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, who both have an OPS over the .900 mark.

The Phillies have not officially made the move official. I’ll update the story once that happens.