Ranger Suárez (back) to make season debut on Sunday

PHILADELPHIA — Ranger Suárez has appeared close to returning to action for a little while. A solid bullpen session on Wednesday afternoon confirmed that he’s finally ready.

Suárez (low back stiffness) will come off the injured list and make his season debut on Sunday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced Wednesday. The left-hander will take the mound for this weekend’s series finale against the Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.

“He was really good,” Thomson said of Suárez’s bullpen. “He’s going to start Sunday.”

About to start his eighth big-league season with a career 3.42 ERA, Suárez has been a key part of the Phillies’ rotation since 2021 with some notable moments out of the bullpen as well. He’ll now rejoin the team as a starter after making four minor-league rehab appearances with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Right-hander Taijuan Walker has been serviceable in Suárez’s place following a disastrous 2024 season. He’ll start on Thursday as the Phillies (17-13) go for a three-game sweep of the Nationals. It remains to be seen if Walker will continue starting once Suárez officially enters the mix.

Left-hander Jesús Luzardo will pitch for Philadelphia in the opener of the team’s three-game set with Arizona on Friday, and righty Aaron Nola will start on Saturday, setting the table for Suárez to finish it out.

Suárez has dealt with back issues before, missing some time with a similar ailment last season. He’s been an effective pitcher who has dialed it up in crucial postseason opportunities, but he’s struggled with durability. The Phillies could really use a healthy Suárez for the remainder of the year, beginning with his first start of 2025.