Throughout the 2026 season, the Philadelphia Phillies have continued to rearrange their catching depth, making a number of behind-the-scenes adjustments to strike a balance between organizational demands and experienced expertise.
Although J.T. Realmuto is still firmly established in the major leagues, the team is still making adjustments to its Triple-A catching position and has now severed relations with a seasoned backstop who was removed earlier this month.
Philadelphia Phillies Move On From Veteran Catcher Right After Finding His Replacement
The Phillies made another move that indicated a shift in their upper-level depth chart just days after reintroducing a well-known organizational catcher.
Veteran backstop Rene Pinto left the team as a result of that decision, ending his tenure amid a season marred by injuries in the minor leagues.
Phillies Tailgate wrote on X, “The Phillies released C Rene Pinto,” and the official transaction log verified the activity.
The deal was made just one day after Philadelphia signed Payton Henry, another seasoned catcher, and immediately assigned him to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, a Triple-A affiliate, on July 4, ostensibly to replace Pinto on the roster.
Given Pinto’s struggles and Henry’s recent availability following his release from the New York Yankees organization, the timing suggests the team was aiming to reorganize their senior catching depth and replace Pinto with Henry.
Philadelphia Phillies Backstop’s Injury-Plagued Stint Ends With Release
While a season marred by injuries and inconsistent hitting, Pinto played a significant role for Triple-A Lehigh Valley while never making it to the major league roster with Philadelphia.
In the end, Pinto’s contribution to the IronPigs went much beyond his offensive output.
Dan Sullivan wrote for Phillies Nation last month, “Pinto has given the IronPigs a lot more defensive stability at the catcher position, which has been a revolving door throughout the season, despite his offensive struggles.” However, his influence extends beyond his work behind the plate. (IronPigs manager Chris) Adamson, a former catcher, understands the value of having a seasoned presence regularly working with young pitchers.
Pinto’s season was marred by a protracted injury that prevented him from establishing offensive consistency.
“After starting four of the IronPigs’ first seven games behind the dish, the 29-year-old went down with a right hand fracture that saw him out of action for two months,” Sullivan added. “A 3-for-12 performance at the plate across four games for High-A Jersey Shore early (in June) was enough to send him back to Lehigh Valley, but it’s been a rough stretch since.”
Philadelphia’s catching depth has once again changed with Pinto’s official release and Henry’s return to the team following a stint with Lehigh Valley last season. Even though Pinto’s time with the Phillies was short, another team looking for veteran catching depth before the end of the season would find him appealing due to his defensive background and expertise working with young pitchers.
