The Philadelphia Phillies played a frustrating game against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night. They were shut out for seven straight innings and the bullpen coughed up a late lead in a 6-5 11-inning loss. Worst of all, catcher J.T. Realmuto was lifted from the game with a right index finger contusion after being hit on the hand with a foul ball in the ninth inning.
The ball caught him flush on his throwing hand and Phillies fans all collectively held their breaths hoping for some positive news. That news came shortly after the game, and it was exactly what everyone was hoping for.
J.T. Realmuto day-to-day after Phillies say X-rays on his right hand came back negative
During a lengthy ninth inning rain delay, X-rays were taken on Realmuto's hand that ultimately came up negative, per MLB.com's Paul Casella. His finger is still bruised and will cause him to miss the next few games — he's out of the lineup for Wednesday's game — but nothing more.
That's quite a relief for a team already missing Trea Turner, who thankfully should return before the end of the season on Sunday. The team once again dodged an injury here, as Realmuto's arguably the player that the Phillies could least afford to lose at this point of the season.
It's well known that he's one of the most respected game-callers behind the plate and he's vital to the success of the team's star-studded pitching staff. There couldn't possibly be a worse time to lose Realmuto with the postseason starting next week. The Phillies' magic number to clinch a first-round bye next week is down to one, so Realmuto will earn some extra rest until Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Rob Thomson provides updates on Bryce Harper (sick) and J.T. Realmuto (right index finger)
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) September 24, 2025
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/rwA4Uyk0BQ
That rest could do wonders for Realmuto's offensive production, which has tailed off with his rough .210/.288/.290 slash in September. It's understandable to see that from Realmuto, as he's caught 129 games after the Phillies said they'd cut down on his playing time this season. Once they lock up a bye, the Phillies will only have to play for the NL's No. 1 seed for home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
It's unlikely they capture that top seed, as without the head-to-head tiebreaker, they're three and a half games behind the Milwaukee Brewers with five games to play. If they have nothing to play for this weekend, nearly every regular should get a day off to prevent further injuries from happening before next Saturday.