Garcia, 31, has made in 119 major league games, though just three have come in the last two seasons, and hit .211/.248/.325 in 327 plate appearances. He’ll could compete with Jose Herrera and Adrian Del Castillo for a spot backing up Gabriel Moreno next spring, though he’ll be a big underdog.

Garcia briefly filled in while J.T. Realmuto was hurt. He has the option to refuse the assignment, but either way he’ll become a minor league free agent at the end of the season.

Garcia went 0-for-7 while helping to fill in during J.T. Realmuto’s absence.

Garcia returns to the majors for the first time since getting into 47 contests for the Reds during the 2022 season. The 31-year-old journeyman backstop provides the Phillies with some emergency catching depth with starter J.T. Realmuto dealing with a left knee contusion.