Bryce Harper, Ranger Suarez will face off in a simulated game on Tuesday
Phillies star Bryce Harper and LHP Ranger Suarez are set to face off in a simulated game on Tuesday, per Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Bryce Harper vs. Ranger Suarez on Tuesday
“Tuesday will be another milestone for Harper, who is scheduled to face left-hander Ranger Suárez in a simulated game in Chicago before the Phillies take batting practice. Suárez is working his way back from a strained left elbow in spring training.” – Lauber
Bryce Harper has been hitting batting practice for a little over two weeks now and is slowly progressing through the long Tommy John process. He’s started taking part in feet-first sliding drills and will soon move to light head-first drills. The main worry with Bryce Harper returning too soon is sliding, in which he could re-rupture his elbow.
As for Ranger Suarez, the lefty is still progressing through his left elbow strain that occurred in the World Baseball Classic. Suarez remains on the 15-day as of today, but the team will reevaluate him after his simulated game with Harper on Tuesday, along with a few other hitters.
Rob Thomson said the goal with Suarez is to build him up to 90 pitches before returning to major league action. The expectation right now is for Suarez to return at the end of April.
The Phillies have gotten a few really good starts from Matt Strahm in Suarez’s absence, but the belief is for Strahm to return to the bullpen once Suarez is back in hopes of saving Strahm’s arm, who has never thrown over 110 innings in a season.
The bats finally woke up on Sunday, as every starter on the Phillies logged at least one hit and one RBI. They travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox with Zack Wheeler facing off against Lance Lynn tonight.
