J.T. Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies dropped their seventh-straight game on Tuesday, falling to 8-15 on the 2026 MLB season after a 7-4 loss to Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs. And on Wednesday, the Phillies will look to get back on track as they continue their four-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Realmuto has continued to play well during his 13th MLB season. The 35-year-old catcher has appeared in 17 games, tallying 14 hits, five runs and a home run while batting .259. However, he has struggled over his last two games, going hitless in six at-bats. But Realmuto has a good reason for that.
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In Friday’s 9-0 loss to Ronald Acuña and the Atlanta Braves, Realmuto tweaked his back in the second inning. He returned to the lineup for Saturday’s game against Atlanta but was forced to exit early due to the same issue. After sitting out Sunday and Monday, Realmuto came back for Philadelphia in Tuesday’s matchup against the Cubs, but still felt discomfort in his lower back.
On Wednesday, the Phillies decided to give Realmuto (back spasms) time to recover, placing him on the 10-day injured list. As a result, Philadelphia called up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he has yet to make his 2026 debut after appearing in five games for the Phillies in 2025. The Phillies also transferred relief pitcher Max Lazar (oblique strain) to the 60-day injured list.
"The Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day IL with back spasms," the Phillies wrote on X. "To fill his spot on the 26-man roster, catcher Garrett Stubbs had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Max Lazar was transferred to the 60-day IL."
Following the Cubs series, the Phillies will head to Atlanta for another series against the Braves, beginning on Friday at 7:15 p.m. ET.
