Phillies All-Star gives promising update on back injury
The Phillies hope to have a healthy five-man rotation to open the 2025 season.
The Philadelphia Phillies boast a strong starting rotation in 2025 as new addition Jesus Luzardo is slotted in between staff ace Zack Wheeler and dependable veteran Aaron Nola. The team also has high hopes for its fifth starter. However, Ranger Suarez’s sore back is jeopardizing his availability for the start of the season.
Suarez first felt discomfort in his back earlier this week. But the condition is improving. “It’s better than Monday… I felt a little pain in that area, but I’m better now,” he said, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Suarez is now hopeful he’ll be able to make his first start.
The Phillies named Wheeler the Opening Day starter for the second straight year. Luzardo is scheduled behind him, followed by Nola, Cristopher Sanchez and Suarez, who’s tentatively slated to take the mound on April 2 against the Colorado Rockies.
If he needs extra rest, Wheeler will start on the 2nd and Suarez will get the ball on the third. However, there’s also a scenario in which Suarez opens the season on the injured list. If he’s placed on the 15-day IL he could be ready to pitch by April 8 if the stint is dated retroactively.
