The noise meter in the Phillies’ clubhouse just increased by a few decibels as Garrett Stubbs was reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. The 33-year-old catcher spent a brief stint on the IL due to left wrist inflammation, according to the Phillies. In a corresponding move, catcher Payton Henry was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following a very short stint with the big league club. Henry did not play while in the majors.
Stubbs has appeared in just 10 games on the season at catcher while testing the waters as a utility man at various positions. Overall, he has appeared in 19 games, recording a paltry .179 batting average.
For much of the 2026 season, the Phillies have made the cognizant decision to construct a roster with three catchers. While J.T. Realmuto continues his role as the team’s starting catcher and will through the end of his new three-year contract, the Phillies have also tendered Rafael Marchán in addition to Stubbs on the active roster.
Both Marchán and Stubbs have run out of options, requiring that they be designated for assignment and go through waivers before being optioned to the minors. Given the Phillies’ lack of catching depth, the organization has tried to keep the pair of backup catchers on the roster, using both sparingly throughout the season.
Philadelphia announced on July 24 that Marchán would go on the IL with left knee patellar tendinitis. After today's move, Stubbs is currently the sole backup catcher for Realmuto.
As the Phillies look to forget their embarrassing 8-7 walk-off loss on Monday, they will do so with a different approach to the lineup. Stubbs is getting the start at catcher in his first game back while Kyle Schwarber is getting the night off. Bryce Harper, meanwhile, is getting a night off in the field, serving as designated hitter while Alec Bohm plays first, allowing Edmundo Sosa to get a start at third. Bryan De La Cruz will get a rare start against a right-handed pitcher, starting in right field for the Phillies.
Here’s the full lineup for their Tuesday night matchup against the Marlins:
Aaron Nola is on the mound for the Phillies as he faces fellow right-hander Sandy Alcántara. Philadelphia has lost five straight games started by Nola. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.
