"J.T. Realmuto is too damn important" - Ex-GM believes veteran catcher is indispensable for Phillies in upcoming playoffs 

The Philadelphia Phillies are heading for the postseason again, and their former General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. believes that keeping J.T. Realmuto healthy will be of paramount importance for the club. Amaro believes the Phillies can cope without one of their sluggers in the lineup, but Realmuto cannot be replaced for his abilities behind home plate as well as for his leadership on the field.

Ruben Amaro Jr. played eight seasons in the MLB for three different teams, including the Phillies. He later served as the Phillies' GM for seven years, from 2008 to 2015. He currently works as a color commentator and analyst for the Phillies television broadcast and is also a contributor to the 94.1 WIP Morning Show in Philadelphia.

On Thursday, Amaro was a guest on the "Foul Territory" podcast where he shared his perspective on the Phillies catcher:

"I believe they can survive with one or two guys not being around," Amaro Jr. said. "But J.T. Realmuto is too damn important. He brings so much to the table as a leader. He has grown by leaps and bounds since I've seen him in Miami. He's become better and better over the years at just handling the pitching staff and other things that are necessary to carry the team.

"I know Bryce Harper is an important guy. I know Kyle Schwarber is super important as well in the leadoff spot. But if I were to not want to lose one guy, it would be J.T. Realmuto for me," he added.

(from 13:36 mark onwards)

Realmuto was recently sidelined from action due to a left knee injury that he suffered from a foul ball off his own bat. He was out for more than a month earlier in the season as well after undergoing surgery on his right knee for a meniscus issue.

Another steady campaign for J.T. Realmuto despite injuries

J.T. Realmuto underwent surgery on his right knee this year (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Regarded as one of the finest defensive catchers in the majors, J.T. Realmuto has produced another solid season with the bat despite missing a chunk of the season with injuries. He has only featured in 87 games so far this year, which is the fewest he has played in a full season barring the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.

At the moment, Realmuto is batting .264/.320/.421 for the season with a .741 OPS. He has 28 extra-base hits, which include 12 home runs and 40 RBIs. Defensively, he has been as reliable as ever behind the plate, with a .994 fielding percentage along with three defensive runs saved and just four passed balls.

J.T. Realmuto returned to the Philadelphia Phillies' lineup in their 11-3 hammering at the hands of the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.