PITTSBURGH — Before the All-Star break, JT Ralmotto seemed more likely to return as a second-string starter for the Philadelphia Phillies than as a first-string starter, Rob Thompson said, but now it appears their starter could be activated starting Saturday at PNC Park.
“I’m not sure yet but it’s very close,” Thompson said before Philadelphia’s series opener against the Pirates on Friday night.
Friday is recovery day for Realmuto, who has been continuing his rehab program in Clearwater during the break leading up to the All-Star Game. He has no choice, it’s just a matter of how his body responds.
When Ralmotto is activated, Philadelphia will likely return center fielder Rafael Marchand to the MLS. Marchand has played exceptionally well in Ralmotto’s absence, hitting 15-of-51 (.294) with four doubles and three home runs while playing solid defense. The 25-year-old looks ready to be a major league replacement but may have to wait until 2025 to fill that role. Philadelphia would likely prefer to have him play every day in the MLS rather than start once or twice a week in the majors while Stubbs is still on the roster.
Stubbs was hit directly in the throwing hand by Martin Perez in his first plate appearance Friday and was in severe pain but remained in the game. His condition could be a factor in the roster decision when Ralmotto is activated.
Ralmotto has been sidelined with a knee injury since Philadelphia returned from London on June 9. He had been experiencing pain in his right meniscus since the first week of May and underwent a meniscus removal procedure on June 12.
Philadelphia won 17-14 in games Ralmotto missed.
Rotation updates
Zack Wheeler (back spasms) and Ranger Suarez (back strain) are making progress and should return to Philadelphia’s starting lineup in Minnesota after the team finishes playing in Pittsburgh.
They each threw 120 feet on Friday, and Suarez threw a session on flat ground. Suarez will pitch in the relief bullpen on Saturday, and then Philadelphia will decide who will start Monday and who will start Tuesday.
“I’m pretty sure he’s fine but we’ll see tomorrow,” Thompson said of Suarez.
Aaron Nola opens the series Friday night with Christopher Sanchez starting Saturday night and Tyler Phillips starting Sunday afternoon. Philadelphia will not face rising star Paul Skinis in the series. The Pirates will have the opener (Perez) and the close (Marco Gonzalez) with humble right-hander Luis L. Ortiz pitching Saturday.