PHILLIES INJURY UPDATE: Why Ranger Suárez’s Injury Might Be a Blessing In Disguise For The Phillies

Ranger Suárez, the Philadelphia Phillies’ starter, began the season as one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant pitchers. He might have been the best pitcher. The southpaw was on his way to winning his first career Cy Young Award.

Suárez was selected to his first All-Star game due to his outstanding start to the season. However, he did not participate due to back spasms, according to Tim Kelly of Phillies Nation. Suárez made his first start after the break on July 22 against the Minnesota Twins, but he felt lower back pain a few days later before his next start. On July 27, the Phillies placed Suárez on the injured list.

Ranger Suárez’s injury could be a blessing in disguise for the Phillies.

Suárez went 9-0 with a 1.36 ERA in his first ten starts of 2024. His first defeat was on May 26 against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, when he gave four earned runs in six innings pitched.

Following that, Suárez began to become unrecognizable on the pitch. He was allowing more hits, walks, and runs than normal, and he wasn’t pitching as deep in games. His command also did not appear to be as effective as it had been earlier in the season.

The season is extremely long. Suárez’s highest season pitching total was 155 1/3 innings in 2022. Prior to being placed on the injured list in late July, he had already pitched 119 1/3 innings this season. Fatigue may have contributed to his drop in playing ability.

Suárez had everything going for him until June 30th, when he faced the Miami Marlins. The 28-year-old allowed 10 hits and six earned runs over 4 2/3 innings, raising his ERA from 1.83 to 2.27. He allowed 19 combined hits and 12 earned runs over his next three outings, raising his ERA to 2.87.

A rested Ranger Suárez will be vital to the Phillies down the stretch.

Suárez’s spell on the IL could be just what the left-handed pitcher needed to get back on track. He has got the opportunity to not only become healthy, but also to rest for several weeks.

“We’re going to be super cautious and give him a little rest,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson told MLB.com. “During the course of a whole season, guys usually require some time off. I believe he will recover and be stronger down the stretch.”

Suárez allegedly pitched a two-inning simulated game the other day, which went well. Thomson stated that Suárez still needs to throw a live batting practice session and potentially a rehab start before returning to the Phillies’ starting rotation. According to Thomson, he will most likely return following the Phillies’ upcoming homestand.

The Phillies require a healthy and dominant Suárez moving into the last stretch of the regular season. Despite his recent struggles, he is 10-5 with a 2.87 ERA and 116 strikeouts on the season. Suárez has the talent to come back and pitch at the Cy Young level again.