J.T. Realmuto News: Dropping to No. 8 spot

Realmuto is batting eighth for the first time since 2022 on Tuesday against Atlanta, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

The veteran backstop has a .684 OPS this season and is batting .172 (5-for-29) with a 31 percent strikeout rate in his past six games, so he'll move down the lineup after primarily operating as Philadelphia's leadoff man to begin the season. Manager Rob Thomson said he wanted to "take the pressure off" Realmuto as he works on a leg kick and improving his timing.