The Phillies started Spring Training with some brutal news for fans. Star Catcher JT Realmuto recently suffered a small fracture in his right thumb, manager Joe Girardi announced to reporters (Twitter link by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com). The injury occurred six days ago, during a bullpen session, tweets Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Realmuto’s thumb will be immobilized for the next two weeks and, although the Phils hope that he is ready for Opening Day, there is no guarantee that it will be the case. It is certainly not the way the team or Realmuto expected to start their $ 115.5 million five-year contract.
The Realmuto will be reevaluated after this period of immobilization, at which time the club will have a better schedule for its return to the games. If Realmuto is forced to enter the injured list to start the season, the Phillies will likely turn to Andrew Knapp as the primary recipient in your absence. Rafael Marchan could take a look at how the backup role in that scenario, seeing as he’s already on the 40-man list. If not Marchan, one of Jeff Mathis or Christian Bethancourt could get the nod. Both would need to be added to the 40-man list, however, as they are in spring training as guests not currently on the list.