The Philadelphia Phillies are intentionally reducing the playing time of veteran catcher J. T.
Realmuto during the 2026 MLB season to manage his workload and protect him from physical decline, team officials said this week.
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The 35-year-old catcher has started only 30 or 31 of Philadelphia's first 48 or 49 games, following a 10-day injured list stint in late April due to back spasms and a brief absence after a foul ball to his ankle.
Strategic Rest for Postseason Push
Interim manager Don Mattingly explained the tactical shift before a recent game against the Cincinnati Reds, emphasizing that the goal is to preserve Realmuto for a potential deep postseason run rather than diminish his role.
"I just don't think him catching five, six days in a row at this point in the season makes a lot of sense," Mattingly said, as reported by mlb.
com. "We're going to try to keep him stronger through the course of the season."
Mattingly acknowledged Realmuto's competitive nature but stressed the need to consider the long 162-game season.
"J. T.
is tough.
I know he wants to play, and he wants to be in there every day, and we appreciate that," Mattingly said.
"But again, I think sometimes you have to save guys from themselves and try to give them days here and there."
The adjusted strategy uses a three-catcher roster including Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs, allowing the coaching staff to rest Realmuto while matching him with preferred starting pitchers.
