PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After the Phillies signed catcher J.T. Realmuto to a long-term deal in the offseason, it would be a bummer for fans if he couldn’t be in the April 1 Opening Day lineup because of his right thumb fracture from last month.
On Thursday, Phillies Manager Joe Girardi gave us some hope when he said Realmuto has been cleared for baseball activities — a sign that there is progression in his recovery.
Girardi said the catcher made about 40 throws, took 10 dry swings and 20 off a tee. Girardi indicated he was told that everything is good so far.
"No issues,” Girardi said.
He acknowledged they’ll slowly progress Realmuto. Will he be ready for Opening Day?
“It makes me feel better," Girardi said. "Had they said, ‘No, you’re not ready to start any baseball activities,’ then I would’ve got concerned. But it’s a good sign that he’s going in the right direction.”
Girardi said when Realmuto is away from the field, he’ll keep wearing his splint for protection.