J.T. Realmuto will return to the Phillies starting lineup Tuesday afternoon, manager Joe Girardi announced three hours before the first pitch.
Girardi did not immediately disclose the rest of his lineup, but he said Realmuto would catch Aaron Nola in Game 1 of the team's doubleheader at Washington.
Realmuto started the second game as the designated hitter. He must have felt good because earlier in the day, Girardi indicated Realmuto would play in just one of the games. The Phillies are desperate with five games to play.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Realmuto missed 11 straight games — the Phillies were 4-7 in those games — with a strain in his left hip/quad area.
The Phillies have not announced a starting pitcher for Game 2 of the doubleheader. Lefty Ranger Suarez is with the club as the 29th man.
Right-hander Austin Voth will pitch Game 1 for Washington. Right-hander Paolo Espino, who has not appeared in the majors since 2017, will start the second game for Washington.