MLB-NEWS: The Philadelphia Phillies Franchise Center fielder has officially joined the Boston Red Sox according to ESPN. The three-year, $138.5 million contract was signed following protracted negotiations because of…

The star catcher is back from knee surgery, forcing the Phillies’ third-string catcher back to Triple-A.

It’s been a long time coming, but the Philadelphia Phillies are finally welcoming star catcher J.T. Realmuto back to action after an extended stay on the injured list. The team announced on Saturday that they have activated Realmuto and, in the corresponding move, optioned catcher Rafael Marchán back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The team also recalled right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte from Triple-A and sent rookie Michael Mercado back to Lehigh Valley.

Phillies announce pair of demotions and activate J.T. Realmuto from IL
In this most recent Triple-A stint, Marte made two appearances and allowed one run on one hit while striking out two and walking one in his two innings of work with the IronPigs. He carries a 3.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 16 1/3 major league innings this season.

Mercado’s demotion isn’t all that surprising. After an impressive debut and strong first MLB start, his last two games were anything but and he finishes his first foray in the big leagues with a 9.26 ERA in 11 2/3 innings.

The roster move to send Marchán down doesn’t come as much of a surprise either, with the incumbent Garrett Stubbs locked in as the big league backup. While there was some clamoring from Phillies fans to see Stubbs demoted in favor of Marchán’s bat, the Phillies want to keep their Chief Vibes Officer around for the stretch run.