Phillies Finalize Rotation: Ranger Suárez to start on IL, Carlos Hernández joins the bullpen, lineup still TBD

Well, now it’s official—almost. With Opening Day four days out, the Phillies’ pitching staff is nearly locked in. Ranger Suárez won’t break camp with the club, pushing Taijuan Walker into the rotation and newly-claimed Carlos Hernández into the bullpen mix.

Ranger Suárez to the IL (Probably)

The Phillies haven’t officially placed Ranger Suárez on the injured list, but manager Rob Thomson all but confirmed it on Sunday: “We expect Ranger to go on the IL.”

Suárez hasn’t thrown in a Grapefruit League game since March 15 due to lower back stiffness — an injury you absolutely do not mess with, especially when the guy has a history of it. The good news?

The Phillies can backdate the IL stint, which means he’s eligible to return as early as April 8 in Atlanta. So yeah, it’s not ideal, but it could be way worse. He’ll likely miss just one turn in the rotation.

Enter: Taijuan Walker

In Suárez’s absence, Taijuan Walker is now your fifth starter — and he’ll toe the rubber on April 3 at home against the Rockies.

Walker’s spring was mostly solid (aside from that one blowup against the Yankees), but most importantly, his velocity is back. His fastball is averaging 92.4 mph, up from 89.3 this time last year, and his splitter looks crisper.

The Phillies are banking on a bounce-back campaign after a rocky 2024 that saw him post a 7.10 ERA.

Carlos Hernández Joins the Party

Surprise move of the day: The Phillies claimed fireballer Carlos Hernández off waivers from Kansas City and designated right-hander Tyler Phillips for assignment.

Tough break for Phillips, who had been the presumed last man in the ‘pen. But when a guy throwing 98+ becomes available, you make room.

Welcome to Philly, Carlos! pic.twitter.com/UUqa1HnRZT

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 23, 2025

Hernández is inconsistent, no doubt — a 4.95 ERA in 150 MLB appearances and a 6.97 ERA this spring — but he’s got nasty raw stuff. He’ll be used as a long reliever, and for now, he’s not being groomed for high-leverage spots.

Think of him as a lottery ticket with upside. And if it doesn’t work out, the Phillies can rest easy because they didn’t give up anything to get him.

Remaining Roster Battle: Kody Clemens vs. Buddy Kennedy

There’s only one real decision left: Kody Clemens or Buddy Kennedy for the final bench spot.

Both are out of options, which means whoever gets cut is likely gone. For me, it’s a pretty easy decision. Clemens has the edge right now, slashing .304/.333/.548 with a pair of bombs this spring. Kennedy, while showing some pop (3 HR), is hitting just .171.

Gut says Clemens makes the team and rightfully so— he’s versatile, has a little thump, and is already familiar with the big-league clubhouse.

Phillies’ Opening Rotation Revealed: Wheeler gets the ball, Sánchez gets the crowd

⚾️ Phillies Rotation (Set for Now)

Thomson confirmed the likely order on Sunday’s broadcast:

• March 27 @ WSH – Zack Wheeler
• March 29 @ WSH – Jesús Luzardo
• March 30 @ WSH – Aaron Nola
• March 31 vs COL (Home Opener) – Cristopher Sánchez
• April 2 vs COL – Wheeler again
• April 3 vs COL – Taijuan Walker

So, assuming Suárez returns on April 8, this plan works out pretty cleanly.

Lineup Still in Pencil

The top four in the Phillies lineup is more or less locked: Turner, Schwarber, Harper, Bohm — though who leads off might depend on the opposing pitcher. Schwarber against righties, Turner against lefties? That’s the vibe.

Thomson wants to find a groove and let guys settle into roles. Easier said than done with matchups and off days, but if those four are rolling, this offense is going to cook.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Phillies fan, you’re going into Opening Week with:

• A loaded top of the rotation
• A healthy Harper
• A bullpen that’s quietly deep
• And a bench that, while still to be finalized, has real versatility

Suárez missing a start stinks, but all signs point to him returning quickly. Walker looks better but I definitely have serious doubts that’ll be the case when it matters. Overall, the team is mostly healthy and I get a sense that they’ll enter the 2025 with a chip on their shoulder since they are basically an afterthought in the National League with the Dodgers, Mets, and Braves expected to be favorites but honestly, that’s a good thing.

Opening Day is Thursday. The Hunt for Red October begins.

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