Phillies Could Soon See Return of Star Pitcher

Ranger Suarez could be back in the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation very soon.

Suarez is scheduled to make another rehab start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley Sunday in Syracuse, N.Y. He’s expected to throw between 70-to-75 pitches, and if it’s successful, Suarez could rejoin the Phillies soon after.

“If he comes out of that pretty good, or good, then we’ll have to replan here,” manager Rob Thomson said.

Suarez was limited to a 27-pitch effort on Tuesday because of rain. He tossed another 27 pitches in the bullpen.

Suarez’s return would be a major confidence boost to the Phillies, who were just swept in a three-game series by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Matt Strahm would then move back to the bullpen.

Before heading to the Minors for rehab work last week, Suarez was solely focused on being 100 percent on the mound.

“The most important thing is to be healthy,” he said. “I want to feel healthy. I think that the more innings I throw, the better it’s going to be for me because I’m going to be more ready.”

The Phillies need Suarez. That’s obvious. But they need him to be healthy as he stated. They can’t afford any setbacks if they want to reach their postseason goals.