The Philadelphia Phillies' day off on Thursday couldn't have arrived at a better time. Wednesday's 11-4 blowout loss to the San Francisco Giants marked the Phillies' sixth loss in the last nine games, all but erasing their promising 7-2 start to the 2025 MLB season.
The Phillies have been tinkering with lineup decisions to help get out of their funk, but nothing has succeeded so far. That includes a head-scratching decision that blew up in manager Rob Thomson's face Wednesday evening.
Phillies News: Rob Thomson's Decision to Play J.T. Realmuto at DH Failed
Veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto is one Phillies veteran who's been in a slump. The three-time MLB All-Star hasn't looked like his usual self to begin the campaign, leaving Philadelphia fans hoping to see the beloved fan favorite get some rest to help get back on track.
Instead of opting for rest, Thomson decided to use Realmuto as the Phillies' designated hitter on Wednesday — a role the former hasn't played since 2022.
Rob Thomson said it’s important to keep JT Realmuto in a rhythm while also giving him a day off behind the plate, which is why he’s the DH today. pic.twitter.com/dWGwKe2tFL
— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) April 16, 2025
Unfortunately, the risky move blew up in the Phillies skipper's face.
Realmuto failed to record a hit in his five plate appearances, finishing the day with four strikeouts and one walk drawn. The three-time Silver Slugger is now only slashing .200/.333/.300 with six hits, one home run, three RBIs, and 10 strikeouts in his last nine games (30 at-bats).
Even though Thomson wanted to keep his catcher in rhythm, not giving Realmuto the night off was a big mistake. The Phillies manager's misguided call may have hurt the 34-year-old backstop's confidence even more, which is the last thing the latter needs amid a contract year.
Now in his seventh season with the Phillies, Realmuto is set to hit free agency at the end of the season. He must work hard with the club's coaching staff to turn his performance around before it's too late — especially if he wants to remain in Philadelphia in 2026 and beyond.
Hopefully, Thursday's off day provides Realmuto with enough rest to start a bounce-back journey. The Phillies are a better team when he's playing to his full potential, which is the level he must return to if Thomson's club wants to contend for the 2025 World Series.
When it comes to their championship outlook, the Phillies arrive at their day off with the third-best World Series odds (+1000) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
More Philadelphia Phillies News & Rumors:
Odds update periodically and are subject to change.