The Philadelphia Phillies will start the 2025 season without All-Star left-hander, as manager Rob Thomson confirmed on Sunday that Suárez is expected to begin the year on the 15-day injured list due to a lingering back issue.
“We don’t want this thing to linger,” Thomson told MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. “So if we do officially IL him, we don’t think it’s going to be long.”
He has been out since March 15 and only recently resumed throwing. Considering his history with back problems — including one that derailed a potential Cy Young bid last season — the Phillies are taking a cautious approach. The team hopes that giving him time to heal now will help avoid another late-season slump like in 2024, when his ERA jumped from 2.76 before the All-Star break to 5.65 afterward. By backdating his IL stint and utilizing three off-days in the first 12 days of the season, the Phillies expect Ranger Suárez to miss just one start and potentially return by April 8 against the Braves.
Walker Steps into the Rotation
In Suárez’s absence, right-hander Taijuan Walker will take his spot in the rotation. Walker is aiming for a bounce-back season after struggling in 2024 with a 7.10 ERA over 83 2/3 innings. This spring, he has shown improvement, adding over three miles per hour to his four-seam fastball and refining his splitter.
“His stuff’s better, flat out,” Thomson said of Walker, who is entering the third season of a four-year, $72 million contract. Walker is set to start on April 3 against the Rockies at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies Roster Moves
The Phillies continued to adjust their roster ahead of Opening Day, claiming right-hander Carlos Hernández off waivers from the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated right-hander Tyler Phillips for assignment. Hernández, known for his fastball that averages nearly 98 mph, is expected to serve as a long reliever.
“He’s got a great arm,” Thomson said. “He’s pitched two innings multiple times in Spring Training. So he’s a two-inning guy.”
However, command remains an issue for Hernández, who posted a 6.97 ERA this spring and has a career walk rate of 11.3%. The Phillies now have one final roster decision to make before heading to Philadelphia: choosing between Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy for the last bench spot. Both players are out of minor league options.
Lineup Considerations
As for the lineup, Thomson mentioned he is still weighing his options. He may alternate leadoff hitters based on matchups, with Trea Turner batting first against left-handers and Kyle Schwarber leading off against righties. The Phillies will open the regular season on Thursday in Washington, with ace Zack Wheeler taking the mound against the Nationals.