Ranger Suarez nearing return, Phillies Rotation decision looms

The return of Ranger Suarez is inching closer by the day — and so is a tough decision for the Phillies.

Suarez made his second rehab start Wednesday night with Single-A Clearwater, throwing four innings, striking out seven, and allowing just one run on 54 pitches.

His sinker sat comfortably at 91–92 mph, a good sign as the Phillies continue to build him back up from early spring back stiffness that delayed his season debut.

Next stop: Double-A Reading or Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Ranger Suarez: 4.0 IP | 3 H | 1 ER | 1 BB | 7 K | 54 Pitches

Ranger Suarez just finished his second start of the season for the Clearwater Threshers.

4.0 IP | 3 H | 1 ER | 1 BB | 7 K | 54 Pitches pic.twitter.com/LRyiLRDAzM

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) April 16, 2025

The Plan Going Forward

The target for Suarez is 100 pitches before rejoining the Phillies rotation, but that’s more of a guideline than a hard rule.

If things continue progressing smoothly, it’s possible his next rehab outing (expected to be a five-inning, 75-pitch appearance) could be followed by a big-league return at close to full strength.

Rob Thomson on Ranger Suarez

#Phillies manager Rob Thomson with a Ranger Suárez update after last night’s rehab appearance. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/kaxCjRGi8C

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) April 17, 2025

So…What Happens to Taijuan Walker?

That means Suarez could be back in red pinstripes by the end of the month — and that puts a spotlight on Taijuan Walker.

Walker filled in for Suarez and started hot with 10⅔ scoreless innings. But he came crashing back to earth Monday night, giving up six runs (four earned) and two home runs in five innings against the Giants.

The clock is officially ticking on Taijuan Walker’s spot in the Phillies rotation

With Ranger Suarez nearing his return, the Phillies will soon face an obvious choice:

• Stick with Walker and roll out a six-man rotation?
• Shift Walker to the bullpen (where he hasn’t worked regularly)?
• Cut bait?

The bullpen doesn’t offer much roster flexibility either. Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks are the only arms with options, and neither is going anywhere. The odd man out could be Carlos Hernandez, who may get DFA’d if the Phillies need the roster spot.

Ranger Suarez is coming. He looked sharp again on Wednesday, and he could be just one rehab start away from returning to the big-league rotation. If everyone stays healthy, Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson have a tough call to make.

Ranger Suarez strikes out the side in the 1st inning of his rehab start! pic.twitter.com/f7Ly2uztZ4

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) April 10, 2025

Taijuan Walker’s next start might be his most important yet — because the clock is ticking.

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