JT Realmuto has a bone bruise at the base of his palm. The injury has kept the Best Catcher in Baseball out of the Phillies’ lineup since Saturday and remains visibly swollen. The Phillies and Realmuto have both stated that the injury wasn’t enough to send him to the 10-day injured list.

Realmuto recently had an MRI exam on his hand and the results came back negative with no structural damage, yet fluid remains. Realmuto, who as of yesterday was not ready to swing a bat, hopes to return to the lineup either today for the series finale against the Marlins, or tomorrow for game one of a weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.

On the season, Realmuto is slashing .294/.400/.486 with .886 OPS. Realmuto has 32 hits, four home runs, and 18 RBI on the year and is a key piece of the Phillies’ offense, which has been struggling over the course of the 2021 season.

When will Spencer Howard get recalled from Lehigh Valley?

Spencer Howard has struck out 13 batters in the minor leagues. He has allowed only one run in nine innings over three starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. MLB Pipeline’s No. 32 ranked prospect is on a strict innings limit this season, so the more he pitches with the IronPigs, the less he can pitch at the major league level with the Phillies. At some point, Howard will get recalled from Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies lack pitching depth and the uncertainty surrounding their fifth starter in Chase Anderson could warrant a move. At the very least, having Howard as an option to piggyback Anderson’s starts would be better than any other option the Phillies have available.

Jose Alvarado struggling with location

Jose Alvarado, who throws absolute gas, continues to struggle with his location. This is nothing new for Alvarado, who has experienced this exact issue throughout his career, but it’s definitely an area of concern for the Phillies, who of course also lack pitching depth in their bullpen.

Alvarado struck out 21 and walked 12 in 13 1/3 innings this season, however over his last eight appearances, he has walked 10 while only striking out nine batters in 6 1/3 innings.

Gregorius Injury Update – Options with Torreyes and Maton

Didi Gregorius is on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow. Last night, he was fielding ground balls before the game, but has yet to throw as he manages the swelling in his elbow. Nick Maton, who has been red hot to start the season, typically takes over shortstop while Gregorius is out, but Joe Girardi went with Ronald Torreyes last night instead, thinking he would have better success against Trevor Rodgers.

Torreyes went 2-for-3 last night, which was great, but it’s hard to justify any move that takes Maton out of the lineup. Maton has better splits against lefties (.406/.406/.656) than righties (.255/.296/.333).

Up Next: Vincent Velasquez will take the mound looking for series win tonight at 7:05pm.

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