Phillies' J.T. Realmuto: Could return this weekend

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Friday that Realmuto (knee) is "very close" and could be activated from the 10-day injured list as soon as this weekend, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Thomson had said just before the All-Star break that it was unlikely Realmuto would return this weekend for a series against the Pirates, but evidently the catcher is progressing more quickly than expected. Realmuto had right meniscus surgery in mid-June, and he's been upping his workouts lately without issue. It would appear he will not need a rehab assignment before being activated.