Realmuto has started five consecutive games behind the plate, including Thursday’s contest following an early exit from Wednesday’s game due to a left foot contusion. Letting the 34-year-old backstop take a breather isn’t a bad idea. Rafael Marchan will do the catching for the Phillies on Friday night and will bat ninth against Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams.

Realmuto is back in the lineup just a day after leaving Wednesday’s bout against the Rays with a left foot contusion. He didn’t undergo imaging, so that removal was purely precautionary and he’s ready to roll for the series finale.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters following Realmuto’s early exit from Wednesday’s contest after fouling a ball off his left foot that his level of concern is basically zero before adding that he won’t even need to undergo precautionary X-rays. It doesn’t sound like a serious concern for now.

Realmuto was pulled from the late stages of Wednesday’s contest after fouling a ball off his left foot in the seventh inning. He managed to finish the at-bat, but was replaced by Rafael Marchán in the bottom of the frame. He’ll head for precautionary X-rays to determine whether he suffered any fractures. There should be an update on his status following the contest.