Realmuto to undergo surgery to ‘clean up’ meniscus

The Philadelphia Phillies are officially eliminated from postseason contention. Heading into their big series against the Nationals needing to win each game, they were at a disadvantage without All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. The Phils backstop was dealing with knee soreness dating back to last Friday, September 20.

Earlier in the week, Realmuto underwent an MRI and it looks to have shown something involving the meniscus, but nothing to be concerned about with regard to long-term health. According to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Realmuto will have surgery on Friday to clean up the meniscus in his right knee and will miss final games of the season. Jake Arrieta had the same surgery last January.

In his first season with the Phillies, Realmuto cemented himself as the best catcher in baseball. He finishes first among backstops in hits (148), doubles (36), runs (92), RBIs (83), caught-stealing percentage including pick-offs (47%) and wins above replacement (5.7).

Realmuto, 28, slashed .275/.328/.493 as one of the team’s lone bright spots. He played a career-high 145 games. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak has made it clear that re-signing Realmuto is one of the team’s top priorities in the offseason.

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