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Phillies Add Catching Depth Amid Injury Concerns

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Phillies
By Tyler Maher | Last updated 2/26/24

The Philadelphia Phillies are pretty set when it comes to catcher. They have three-time All-Star J.T. Realmuto -- one of the best backstops in baseball -- under contract for two more seasons.

The only question behind the plate for the Phillies, then, is who will back him up?

There isn't a clear answer to that right now, as the team's backup catcher situation appears to be in flux based on recent injuries and roster moves.

On Sunday, Philadelphia signed former Cleveland Guardians catcher Cam Gallagher to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. He was spotted at camp that day.

Gallagher seems to be an insurance policy for Rafael Marchan, who is dealing with a back injury.

Phillies signed another catcher, Cam Gallagher, to a minor-league deal. He’s in big-league camp. Rafael Marchán is sidelined with a back injury.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 25, 2024

Gallagher, 31, is coming off a rough season with the Guardians. He batted just .126/.154/.168 in 56 games with Cleveland last year, making him one of the worst hitters in baseball.

Before that, Gallagher was a more reliable batter with the Kansas City Royals during the first six years of his career from 2017-2022 (.656 OPS), so the Phillies are hoping he can bounce back.

Gallagher isn't the most appealing option, but Philadelphia may need him. According to manager Rob Thomson's comments on Sunday, Marchan's injury sounds pretty serious and could keep him out for some time.

Rob Thomson on Rafael Marchan’s Back Injury:

“He’s going to be down for a bit. I don’t think it’s season-ending or anything like that, but we need some help around here, and [Cam] Gallagher was out there, so we went out and got him. He’s a good guy, can catch.” pic.twitter.com/HEKnuIibfC
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) February 26, 2024

Gallagher may not have much juice left in his bat, but at least he's a proven veteran who can handle the position. The Phillies need someone who can fill in for Realmuto occasionally, and Gallagher is capable of that.

Just don't ask him to hit.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Phillies and was syndicated with permission.

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