Rob Thomson says J.T. Realmuto responded well to conversation about managing workload

CLEARWATER — Rob Thomson was asked Wednesday how his conversation with J.T. Realmuto about potentially reducing his workload in 2025 went.  

"I think it was good," Thomson said. "And I think he realizes that he needs to have a good year and he needs to stay healthy. So we need to do a better job of managing his games. Now, do I know exactly how many games he's going to play? I don't know. I think you gauge that as the season goes on. But I did talk to him about having some DH days. He was all in on that. And there may be some other ways we can do it."

That all makes sense in theory, but what happens if Realmuto gets off to a red-hot start in 2025? How difficult will it be to stick to this plan? 

"I think you have to remember the history," Thomson replied. "And I think there are times when you have to take the game away from players. And that might be the case for J.T. on certain days." 

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The problem is the two positions that Realmuto could potentially shift to and remain in the lineup — DH and first base — are occupied by All-Stars themselves. 

Thomson and the Phillies say they are comfortable with Kyle Schwarber going out to left field on days where Realmuto DHs. But Schwarber spent just 41 innings in left field a year ago. Could he play left field once in a while? Sure, but at this stage of his career, he's not going to spend a ton of time in the field. And whether he's hitting leadoff, cleanup or somewhere else, the Phillies aren't going to want to take Schwarber out of the lineup much at all. 

The same goes for Bryce Harper at first base. There's no reason to believe him returning to the outfield even a few times this season is in play. So if he's not at first base, DH or an off day are the only other options for him. 

But Realmuto will turn 34 next month. As much as he may still feel like he can do it, having the three-time All-Star catch 1,100 innings a season — something he's done four times in his career — no longer makes sense. So Thomson and the Phillies may have to get creative both to keep Realmuto in the lineup and on board with the plan to manage his workload behind the dish. 

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