Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius was checked for a concussion after being hit on the back of the helmet by a pitch from Toronto's Tanner Roark in the second inning of Tuesday's game in Clearwater, Florida.
According to manager Joe Girardi, Gregorius was only "grazed" by the pitch, an 89-mph sinker, and he passed an on-the-spot evaluation in the batter's box.
"But you're concerned whenever a player gets hit in the back of the head," Girardi said. "He had a minor, minor headache so we took him out."
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SIGN UP HERE Girardi said the Phillies would know more about Gregorius' condition on Wednesday.
REALMUTO'S RECOVERY
Girardi said there was not yet a timetable for J.T. Realmuto to get into game action, but things are trending that way.
Realmuto, who suffered a broken right thumb last month, is taking batting practice on the field and throwing up to 120 feet.
MLB
Realmuto is scheduled to have an X-ray on Thursday.
"That will determine the next progression," Girardi said. "Right now, the progression has been really good."
IN OTHER NEWS
Pitcher Spencer Howard, scratched from a two-inning assignment because of back spasms on Monday, reported improvement on Tuesday. He could be back on a mound by Thursday, Girardi said.
The Phillies optioned infielder C.J. Chatham to the minors.
Zack Wheeler pitches against the Tigers on Wednesday in Clearwater.
Bryce Harper will be the DH on Wednesday. He played right field for the first time this spring on Tuesday and reported no issues.
Wednesday's game will be televised on NBCSP+.
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