What to watch as Phillies retain their star catcher in beginning of 2 game series vs. red hot Rays

The 32-20 Tampa Bay Rays have won 13 of 14 as they lead the AL East. That is who the 25-26 Philadelphia Phillies will take on Saturday afternoon in Tampa. Florida. On the positive note, the Phils have retained their star catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Here’s what to watch:

Realmuto’s back

Realmuto was placed on the injured list on May 21, retroactive to May 18, with a bruised hand. He is in the lineup for Saturday.

Catcher Rafael Marchán was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Realmuto was hitting .294 with four homers and 17 RBI in 35 games before being sidelined.

Wheeler starts

Phillies starter Zack Wheeler (4-2, 2.38) has been one of MLB’s five best pitchers this season. In his last four starts, he has a 0.92 ERA with 37 strikeouts and two walks in 29⅓ innings. The Phillies have won all four.

Starting lineups

Phillies starting lineup vs. Rays’ starter Ryan Yarbrough:

1. Andrew McCutchen (R) LF
2. Jean Segura (R) 2B
3. Rhys Hoskins (R) DH
4. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
5. Brad Miller (L) 1B
6. Alec Bohm (R) 3B
7. Odubel Herrera (L) CF
8. Roman Quinn (S) RF
9. Ronald Torreyes (R) SS

Rays starting lineup vs. Phillies’ starter Zack Wheeler:

1. Randy Arozarena (R) LF
2. Brandon Lowe (L) 2B
3. Yandy Diaz (R) 3B
4. Austin Meadows (L) DH
5. Ji-Man Choi (L) 1B
6. Manuel Margot (R) RF
7. Joey Wendle (L) SS
8. Francisco Mejia (S) C
9. Kevin Kiermaier (L) CF

Essentials

• When: 1:10 P.M. E.S.T.
• Where: Tropicana Field
• Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Radio: 94.1 WIP
• Social media coverage: Philly Sports Reports’ Twitter & Instagram.