The Phillies announced this morning that they have activated star from the 10-day injured list. To clear a spot on the active roster, catcher Aramis Garcia has been designated for assignment. Although he was initially expected to return later this week, he has been reinstated early and will bat fifth in today’s lineup.
He has been out for just over two weeks with a hand strain. This season has been a breakout year for him, as he is hitting .290/.343/.462 with a 122 wRC+, marking the best performance of his career. He has also significantly improved defensively at third base, moving from a below-average defender last year (+1 Outs Above Average, -9 Defensive Runs Saved) to an above-average one this year (+6 Outs Above Average, +1 Defensive Runs Saved). Currently, he ranks as the fourth most valuable third baseman in the league by fWAR in 2024, behind only Jose Ramirez, Matt Chapman, and Rafael Devers.
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As the Phillies aim for their third consecutive playoff appearance, they will be hoping Bohm returns to full strength. Before his injury, Bohm had been experiencing a decline, posting a .232/.283/.304 slash line in his last 15 games. Even a less-than-optimal Bohm would be a significant upgrade for the Phillies, especially after Edmundo Sosa’s injury left the team struggling at third base with a combination of Kody Clemens, Weston Wilson, and Buddy Kennedy, who have collectively slashed .107/.167/.143 since Sosa went on the IL.
Regarding Garcia, the 31-year-old has played parts of five MLB seasons since debuting with the Giants in 2018, primarily as a backup catcher. His most extended tenure was with the Reds in 2022, where he batted .213/.248/.259 in 115 plate appearances over 47 games. Garcia, a career .211/.248/.325 hitter, was added to the Phillies’ roster last week to provide depth while J.T. Realmuto was sidelined with a minor injury. With Realmuto back, Garcia’s spot on the roster is no longer necessary.
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