Realmuto has bruised neck after being hit by ball in throat
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto left Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after being hit in the throat and neck area by a pitch that bounced in the dirt.
Zack Wheeler's low curveball in the seventh inning took a hop and struck Realmuto underneath his catcher's mask. He immediately grabbed at the area and appeared to be in intense pain.
#Phillies All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto is out of the game after taking a bouncing pitch from Zack Wheeler to the throat/neck area. Realmuto was in a lot of pain after the baseball got under his mask. He'll be replaced by Garrett Stubbs. pic.twitter.com/bD7VcHE1E5
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) April 10, 2024
Realmuto was able to walk off the field under his own power after being examined by trainers.
Manager Rob Thomson said postgame that Realmuto was diagnosed with a bruised neck and does not have a concussion, according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He'll be reevaluated on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old is hitting .273/.333/.455 with two home runs and four RBIs through nine games this season.