J.T. Realmuto Set to Return to Phillies’ Lineup Today vs Nats

The Phillies finally got a bit of good news today on the injury front.

Manager Joe Girardi, during an appearance on SiriusXM MLB Radio, stated that starting catcher J.T Realmuto will be back behind the plate today in Game 1 of the doubleheader in Washington.

Realmuto hasn't played since last Saturday with a "mild" hip flexor strain, that he suffered while running the bases.

Girardi said that running is still the biggest issue with Realmuto, but that the catcher was willing to try and gut it out to help the team, who is currently the No. 8 seed in the eight team National League playoff field.

Girardi said Monday that Realmuto was at about 90 percent and could have possibility been used to pinch-hit Monday in the game on Monday.

In his absence, the Phillies have used Andrew Knapp and 21-year-old Rafael Marchan behind the plate.

Realmuto, a free agent this offseason is hitting 267 with 11 homers, 30 RBI and four stolen bases through 41 games this season.

On Monday, Phillies GM Matt Klentak sort of addressed his impending free agency with an odd statement.

"We would love to have JT here," admitted Klentak. "But when you make that trade, you're trading for two years of control & you know that. So, Sixto looked really good against us. He's looked good this year. But we've had two very productive years with JT as well."

Sixto Sanchez, who he Phillies traded to acquire Realmuto, threw a complete game against the Phillies last week and is 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA and a WHIP of 1.08 in six games this season for the Marlins.

Here is the Phillies lineup today with Aaron Nola pitching Game 1 of the doubleheader against Washington.

1. DH Andrew McCutchen
2. RF Bryce Harper
3. 3B Alec Bohm
4. SS Didi Gregorius
5. C J.T. Realmuto
6. 2B Jean Segura
7. 1B Jay Bruce
8. CF Adam Haseley
9. LF Mickey Moniak