There’s still a chance that the team needs someone different
Ranger Suarez has a back that is bothering him right now, making it doubtful that he begins the season on the active roster. Chances are that he makes it there on the injured list, making his roster spot something of a question mark. The team already has a full complement of starting pitchers available to them, but that fifth spot is currently TBD. For the moment, at least.
Phillies made some cuts this morning. The last bench job is down to Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy. The club has kept Tyler Phillips and Michael Mercado in camp in case Ranger Suárez isn’t ready; Taijuan Walker would slide into rotation and one of them would be long man.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 22, 2025
At least something has been trending in the right direction though. The team saw Suarez at least take a step in the right direction on Saturday, meaning there may not have to be some kind of decision after all.
Ranger Suárez (back) played catch today. He felt good, Rob Thomson said. He will play catch again Sunday. Phillies need to make a call on him in the next 48 hours.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 22, 2025
The last thing the team wants to do is have to choose between Taijuan Walker and Tyler Phillips for the fifth starter’s spot. The way the schedule shakes out to start the season, it’s more ceremonial than anything with the off days that are there, but if the back issues that Suarez is having linger even a little bit, a decision might have to be made.
Who they choose would be interesting. Walker’s contract likely dictates what the decision would be, wrong as that is. He’s been bad this spring and was bad last year; he shouldn’t receive benefit of the doubt. So, let’s continue hoping Suarez’s back trends in the right direction.