The Phillies introduced in the present day that left-hander Ranger Suárez has been positioned on the 15-day injured record, retroactive to August 16, with a proper hamstring pressure. Proper-hander Andrew Bellatti was recalled in a corresponding transfer.
Suárez, 27, hits the injured record for the second time this yr. He handled some forearm tightness in March and commenced the yr on the IL, with the membership describing that damage as an elbow pressure. Regardless of that ominous-sounding analysis, he was capable of return in mid-Could and has since made 17 begins. He has a 3.88 earned run common in 97 1/3 innings, together with a 21.3% strikeout fee, 8.4% stroll fee and 51.2% floor ball fee.
It’s unclear how lengthy Suárez shall be out of motion this time, however the Phillies should proceed with out him for no less than a few turns by way of the rotation. Fortunately, they’ve been operating a six-man rotation since buying Michael Lorenzen on the deadline and may be capable to get by with out worrying about changing Suárez.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported every week in the past that Cristopher Sánchez was prone to simply get another begin earlier than bumped both to the bullpen or the minors. He’s having a stable season with a 3.39 ERA in 11 begins, however the Phils simply have a variety of established starters in Suárez, Lorenzen, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Taijuan Walker. However with Suárez set to sit down issues out for some time, Sánchez can stick round.
That’s wonderful in the meanwhile however will go away the membership a bit skinny on depth till Suárez can return. Prospect Andrew Painter was purported to be within the combine this yr however required Tommy John surgical procedure and received’t be again till late 2024 on the earliest. Bailey Falter was dealt to the Pirates for Rodolfo Castro, subtracting one other depth starter. Griff McGarry is likely one of the membership’s high pitching prospects however he was not too long ago placed on the event record at Triple-A after some struggles. His final begin noticed him face simply seven batters, strolling six and hitting one other, all of them ultimately coming round to attain and leaving him with a stunning 50.62 ERA in two Triple-A outings this yr. Nick Nelson might be the subsequent man up since he’s on the 40-man and has a 3.82 ERA in 14 Triple-A begins this yr, however his main league work has resulted in a profession ERA of 5.38.
The Phils are in good condition general, presently sporting a document of 66-56 and in possession of the highest Wild Card slot within the Nationwide League. Even with out Suárez, they’ve a robust group of 5 starters that may hopefully preserve them afloat for the six remaining weeks of the season. One other rotation damage would begin to make issues really feel a bit shaky however hopefully Suárez can return earlier than that turns into a actuality.
