JT Realmuto tests negative for COVID-19, still heads to protocol list thanks to league rules

JT Realmuto has officially been placed on the COVID-19 injury protocol list. Catcher Rafael Marchan has been recalled from Lehigh Valley as a replacement for the best catcher in baseball.
Realmuto missed Wednesday night’s game with a leg contusion. He bruised his knee after a foul ball struck him in Tuesday night’s victory over the Nationals. On Wednesday afternoon, Joe Girardi stated that Realmuto would not be placed on the 10-day injured list and would remain day-to-day.
It was announced today that Realmuto has been sick, but tested negative for COVID-19.
Joe Girardi reassured the media today that all of Realmuto’s tests came back negative and that Realmuto came down with a stomachache and had a fever during last night’s game. When an MLB player gets those types of symptoms, he’s immediately added to the COVID protocol list, which is pretty stupid given the fact that he’s returned negative tests but I digress. All tests have to be submitted to the league and the player in question isn’t allowed to be in the clubhouse.
The Phillies are hoping Realmuto can return in a few days. They will go for the sweep of the Washington Nationals today at 1:05 pm. Here’s today’s lineup:
[…] Phillies were without both Didi Gregorius and JT Realmuto. Gregorius is dealing with a sore right elbow and Realmuto is on the COVID-19 injured list, but has […]