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Phillies Issue Update on Injured Ranger Suárez

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 11:14 AM ET

While the Philadelphia Phillies get their season underway in Washington, D.C., one of their starting pitchers remains at the team’s spring training site in Florida.

Lochlahh March of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Ranger Suárez, who the club officially placed on the 15-day injured list to begin the year, will rehab in Clearwater for now.

Dealing with a back issue for the second straight year and the third time in his career, Suárez will throw a bullpen session Saturday. He was scratched from his final spring start last Friday and has not pitched since March 9.

Ranger Suárez (low back stiffness) stayed back in Clearwater. He is scheduled to get back on the mound for a 25-pitch bullpen on Saturday.
— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) March 27, 2025

The left-hander was expected to be one of Philadelphia's five starting pitchers before his latest back flare-up. Veteran Taijuan Walker, who will start Thursday against the Colorado Rockies, is holding his spot in the rotation.

Suárez made 27 starts for Philadelphia last season, posting a 3.52 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 150.2 innings. His strong first half earned him an All-Star appearance as a substitute, but his nagging back issue resulted in a shortened and disappointing second half.

Since being converted from a bullpen arm to a starter, Suárez has made 58 starts over the past three seasons.

According to Phillies manager Rob Thomson, the lefty is expected to miss around three starts. 'Topper' also stated that the club wants to build Ranger up slowly to avoid further setbacks and, hopefully, preserve his health over the rest of the season.

Thomson's timeline puts Suárez's expected return at Wrigley Field during the Chicago Cubs series, April 25-27.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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