Philadelphia Phillies Announce J.T. Realmuto Decision Before Royals Game

The Philadelphia Phillies play Game 2 against the Kansas City Royals at 3:00 P.M. EST.

Yesterday, they soundly defeated the Royals 6-1 with home runs from J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm, and Gabriel Rincones Jr.

Today, with Aaron Nola on the mound, the Phillies lineup is missing one of their key contributors.

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J.T. Realmuto is Set to Sit Out Against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday

After a two RBI day on Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies veteran star catcher will taking a seat against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Per Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki, posted the lineup a couple hours before the game with Realmuto scratched from the lineup.

Backup catcher Garrett Stubbs will replace Realmuto and catch for Aaron Nola.

On the season, Stubbs is slashing .167/.250/.167 with no home runs, while Realmuto is slashing slightly better at .202/.285/.332 with six home runs.

While Realmuto’s production is down compared to other seasons, the 13-year catcher is still a vital part of the team. Not to mention, but Realmuto has caught Nola 167 times in his career, and considering that he is struggling a bit on the mound, he could use the catcher he knows best.

Nelson Belger shares expresses that today’s game against the Royals is important as the Phillies head into the All-Star break and close the gap on the Atlanta Braves for first-place in the National League East.

“This is almost a must win game,” Belger writes on twitter. “No idea why Realmuto is off after a Friday off day. Stubbs shouldn’t be in professional baseball. Rincones finally did something. Bats need to show up or this is going to be another game punted with Nola starting. Facing one of the worst teams in the league these are important wins to collect.”

Realmuto sat in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, July 2, giving him two days off in a row with the Phillies Friday off-day. There has been no reason from interim manager Don Mattingly for this uncharacteristic sit.

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Philadelphia Phillies Lineup vs. Royals

The Phillies-Royals game starts 3:00 P.M. EST at Kauffman Field in Kansas City.

Phillies lineup:

1. Trea Turner (R) SS
2. Kyle Schwarber (L) DH
3. Bryce Harper (L) 1B
4. Brandon Marsh (L) LF
5. Alec Bohm (R) 3B
6. Bryson Stott (L) 2B
7. Gabriel Rincones Jr. (L) RF
8. Justin Crawford (L) CF
9. Garrett Stubbs (L) C

Pitcher: Aaron Nola RHP

Royals lineup:

1. Carter Jensen (L) C
2. Bobby Witt Jr. (R) SS
3. Jac Caglianone (L) 1B
4. Lane Thomas (R) CF
5. Michael Massey (L) 2B
6. Salvador Perez (R) DH
7. Josh Rojas (L) 3B
8. Kameron Misner (L) RF
9. Isaac Collins (S) LF

Pitcher: Luinder Avila RHP

The Phillies will continue their series against the Royals on Monday at 2:10 P.M. EST.

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