The Phillies have been waiting patiently for Ranger Suarez to come back from his injury.
Before suffering a back injury, Ranger Suarez was performing at the top of the Philadelphia Phillies’ rotation. As the Phillies have struggled recently, Suarez is close to making his highly anticipated return.
On Tuesday, Suarez threw a two-inning simulated game, and according to MLB.com, Manager Rob Thompson noted that Suarez “looked good” during the session. He reached the low 90s with his fastball and demonstrated good control with his off-speed pitches. Suarez is slated to pitch again on August 18, either in another simulated game or a rehab appearance at Triple-A. Thompson confirmed that once Suarez returns, the Phillies will shift to a six-man rotation.
Suarez has been sidelined since July 27 due to lower back soreness. He completed his first bullpen session on August 5 and another on August 8. Now facing live hitters, Suarez has shown consistent progress in his recovery.
His next outing will be crucial in determining how the Phillies will reintegrate him. If he performs well and stays healthy, he might be reinstated to the MLB roster immediately. However, if he struggles or his back isn’t fully healed, he could have another minor league stint. Regardless, barring any setbacks, Suarez is expected to return to the Phillies soon.
His comeback would be a significant boost for the team. Over 20 starts in 2024, Suarez has a 10-5 record with a 2.87 ERA and a 116/27 K/BB ratio, earning his first All-Star Game nomination in his seven-year career.
With a six-game lead in the NL East, the Phillies are looking to secure their playoff spot, and Suarez’s return would restore their ace and revitalize their rotation.
State of Phillies’ pitching rotation
While Suarez has been standout, he’s not the only pitcher making waves for the Phillies in 2024. Philadelphia ranks tied for second in the league with a 3.73 ERA, and their 1,062 strikeouts are the seventh-most, while their .237 opponent batting average ties them for 10th place.
Zack Wheeler tops the team with a 2.78 ERA among pitchers with over 20 starts, boasting an 11-5 record and a 156/43 K/BB ratio. Aaron Nola follows with an 11-6 record, a 3.60 ERA, and a 138/37 K/BB ratio.
Christopher Sanchez, like Suarez, earned his first All-Star nod this year, holding an 8-8 record with a 104/34 K/BB ratio. Spencer Turnbull, currently on the injured list, has a 3-0 record with a 2.65 ERA and a 58/20 K/BB ratio when healthy.
If the rotation is fully healthy, the Phillies will have one of the most formidable pitching staffs heading into the postseason. Adding Ranger Suarez back to the rotation gives Philadelphia another boost and a pitcher with the potential to drive the team through a deep playoff run.
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