Phillies' J.T. Realmuto Assigns Blame After Loss to Dodgers

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Phillies' J.T. Realmuto Assigns Blame After Loss to Dodgers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 22, 2026 10:35 AM ET

J.T. Realmuto took full responsibility after a costly baserunning mistake helped the Philadelphia Phillies fall 2-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night.

The Phillies appeared poised to mount a game-tying rally in the ninth inning after Alec Bohm singled and Realmuto doubled to put runners on second and third with one out. Instead, a chaotic sequence on Brandon Marsh's ground ball ended the game in dramatic fashion.

After pinch-runner Justin Crawford was caught in a rundown between third base and home, Realmuto retreated from third to second and was thrown out to complete an inning-ending double play. Following the loss, the veteran catcher admitted the mistake was entirely his.

"Can't make two outs on that play."

J.T. Realmuto took the blame for the ending sequence against the Dodgers. | @WapnerNewman pic.twitter.com/KUNAgGMUKh
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 22, 2026

Realmuto said there was "no reason" for him to try to return to second once Crawford was caught in the rundown, calling it a lapse in judgment that resulted in two outs on the same play.

The mistake overshadowed another outstanding outing from Zack Wheeler. The Phillies ace threw 7 innings, allowing just two hits while striking out nine and issuing no walks. His lone run allowed came on Max Muncy's solo home run.

Realmuto has battled through an injury-plagued season after returning from right knee surgery earlier this month. Through 73 games, the 35-year-old is batting .215 with seven home runs, 33 RBIs, a .293 on-base percentage and a .350 slugging percentage.

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Phillies dropped to 56-46 with Tuesday's loss and remain second in the National League East, 3.0 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves. Despite remaining firmly in the postseason race, the defeat highlighted how a single mental mistake can undo an otherwise well-played game against another National League contender.

Philadelphia will look to even the series in the finale as it attempts to move past a frustrating finish that wasted one of Wheeler's best starts of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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