Struggling Phillies place catcher J.T. Realmuto on the 10-day IL with back spasms

Realmuto left Saturday's 3-1 loss to Atlanta with lower back tightness. He returned to the lineup Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs, but his back started bothering him again. “He's sore, and it's going to be a few days before he's pain-free,” manager Rob Thomson said.

“So that's why we decided to put him on the IL. It's just some inflammation. We think he's going to be back at the 10-day mark.

” The Phillies brought up catcher Garrett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Right-hander Max Lazar, who is coming back from an oblique strain, was transferred to the 60-day IL. The 35-year-old Realmuto is batting .

259 with a homer and four RBIs in 17 games. The three-time All-Star re-signed with Philadelphia in free agency, agreeing to a $45 million, three-year contract in January. Realmuto joins a crowded injured list that also includes closer Jhoan Duran (oblique strain), right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder surgery) and reliever Zach Pop (calf strain).