The Philadelphia Phillies have placed All-Star starting pitcher Ranger Suárez on the 15-day injured list due to lower back soreness, with the placement retroactive to July 24. To fill the roster spot, the team has recalled Kolby Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Allard is set to start against the Cleveland Guardians on July 28. This offseason, Allard joined the Phillies on a one-year, $1 million deal. He brings 69 major league appearances, including 38 starts, having previously played for the Atlanta Braves and the Texas Rangers.
Suárez’s lower back issues have been persistent, affecting his performance. His struggles on the mound led to his absence from the All-Star Game. Over his last seven starts, Suárez has posted a 0-4 record with a 4.99 ERA and 31 strikeouts. This season, he has a 10-5 record with a 2.87 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 20 starts, having pitched a career-high 119 1/3 innings so far. Phillies manager Rob Thomson is hopeful that Suárez will be able to return by August 7, the earliest date he can be activated from the injured list.
The Phillies have placed LHP Ranger Suárez on the 15-day IL (retro to 7/24) with lower back soreness. To fill his spot on the 26-man roster, LHP Kolby Allard was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 27, 2024
Immediate Rotation Implications
With Suárez out, Allard is poised to make at least two starts. This season at Triple-A, Allard has a 2-7 record with a 5.60 ERA and 69 strikeouts across 19 outings, including 13 starts. In the major leagues, he has a 9-24 record with a 6.10 ERA over six seasons, plus one save earned in 2022. His first start with the Phillies will mark the 10th different pitcher to start a game for the team this season. For comparison, the Phillies had 11 different starters last season.
The absence of Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull has highlighted Tyler Phillips’ role in the rotation. Phillips’ performance has helped stabilize the fifth spot in the rotation. With Suárez expected back in early August, the impact on the rotation and overall pitching depth is somewhat mitigated. The temporary impact of Yunior Marte’s return and Michael Mercado’s optioning has also affected the team’s pitching depth, though trades have increased bullpen flexibility.
Big Picture Considerations
Starting pitching needs have become more pressing for the Phillies recently. Suárez’s injury might prompt the team to seek a trade for an additional starting pitcher. Turnbull’s return will likely be managed with an innings limit due to past injury issues. Suárez is on track to set a career-high for innings pitched this season, and the Phillies plan to shift to a six-man rotation in August. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, having logged significant postseason innings over the past two years, could benefit from reduced workloads. Securing the NL East title would alleviate some of this pressure, given the team’s recent Wild Card Series appearances.
Acquiring a starting pitcher similar to last year’s trade for Michael Lorenzen could be advantageous. A new addition could serve as a sixth starter and provide long relief, helping to manage the workloads of Wheeler, Nola, and Suárez. This strategy could be crucial for keeping the rotation fresh for the postseason. Additionally, the Phillies are expected to add at least one high-leverage relief pitcher before the trade deadline. A trade for a starting pitcher, coupled with strengthening the bullpen, could enhance the team’s chances in October, similar to the role Zach Eflin played in the 2022 postseason.