Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (foot) expected to play in Monday’s home opener

WASHINGTON — Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (bruised left foot) is expected to return to action as the club heads to Philadelphia for its home opener on Monday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

The veteran backstop was out of the lineup on Sunday for the team’s opening-series finale against Washington at Nationals Park after fouling a ball off his foot and leaving the game early the afternoon prior. But after a day of rest and treatment, Realmuto will be back in there on Monday if all goes to plan.

“J.T. should be ready to go,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said after a 5-1 loss to the Nationals.

Thomson said the decision to sit Realmuto on Sunday was “more precaution than anything” when he spoke to reporters before the game. The three-time All-Star was feeling sore, so the Phillies, already trying to get Realmuto some additional rest this season, didn’t want to push it. Realmuto would have been able to catch if backup Rafael Marchan had been injured during the game.

While Realmuto should now be available to start on Monday, shortstop Trea Turner (low back spasm) seems less likely to play. Turner was a late scratch from the lineup on Saturday and didn’t play on Sunday. He swung a bat and played catch during Sunday’s game, but still may not be in line for game action yet. The Phillies may use their scheduled day off on Tuesday to give Turner some extra rest.

“We’ll reevaluate tomorrow,” Thomson said. “Might give him another day, which gives him two days with the off day.”

The Phillies (2-1) dropped Sunday’s matchup to the Nationals, but they’ll still start their first home set riding a productive start to the year as left-hander Cristopher Sánchez takes the mound against the Rockies to begin a three-game series.

“I think, overall, it’s a positive takeaway there for the first series,” slugger Kyle Schwarber said, “and everyone’s looking forward to get back home and have Opening Day at home.”