The Philadelphia Phillies have reassigned backup catcher Garrett Stubbs to the minor leagues, paving the way for Rafael Marchan to serve as J.T. Realmuto’s backup at the start of the season.
The team announced the move on X, with Stubbs acknowledging the disappointment of being sent down. “It’s not the first time I’ve been optioned, but it’s the first in a few years,” he said. “Getting that tap on the shoulder is never a good feeling.”
Stubbs plans to stay ready in Triple-A, working on his game and helping develop other minor-league players for potential call-ups.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski emphasized Stubbs’ value to the team, stating, “He’s been an important part of our club and likely will be again this season. This decision wasn’t performance-related—just part of the business side of baseball.”
Stubbs, 31, became a fan favorite during the Phillies’ 2022 season, serving as the team’s unofficial DJ and popularizing the Tiësto remix of Calum Scott’s cover of “Dancing on My Own,” which became their anthem.
The Phillies’ season opener is just a week away, with their home opener set for March 31.
