Phillies Catcher J.T. Realmuto to Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery
By Ryan Giglio
With the Philadelphia Phillies officially eliminated from postseason contention, the offseason will start early for one of their stars.
Manager Gabe Kapler announced on Wednesday (in potentially one of his final acts as manager) that catcher J.T. Realmuto will have surgery on Friday on the meniscus in his right knee.
The procedure will be minor, and Realmuto is not expected to be impacted in the long term.
JT Realmuto will have surgery Friday to clean up meniscus in right knee. Gabe Kapler said no long term concerns.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) September 25, 2019
The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the best catchers in the game today not only for his defensive skill, but also for his offensive prowess and superior bat control.
JT Realmuto's season is over. His rankings among MLB catchers in 2019:
— Jonny Heller (@jonnyheller) September 25, 2019
Hits - 1st (148)
2B - 1st (36)
HR - 4th (25)
Runs - 1st (92)
RBIs - 1st (83)
CS % - 1st (47%)
WAR - 1st (5.7)
He has solidified his place as the best catcher in baseball.
Realmuto's All-Star season will end with him playing 145 games and hitting .275/.328/.493 with 25 homers, 83 RBI and 92 runs scored. Worth everything Philly gave up to obtain his services.
Though the catcher produced as expected when the Phillies acquired him this offseason, the team as a whole was a disappointment.
Phillies are 79-78. Eliminated
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 25, 2019
“I’m going to manage this club as long as I can. Because I think I give us a great chance to win and I think because I care deeply about the success of this franchise”
-Gabe Kapler
Do you think he is back?https://t.co/88yj6yCSY1
After spending nearly half a billion dollars this winter, Philadelphia will most likely finish the season in fourth place in the NL East with a record around .500. Organizational changes, including at the manager position, are expected to be made when the season ends.