After a rough start in his 2025 debut last week, Ranger Suárez twirled a gem in Cleveland on Saturday night. If the Philadelphia Phillies' left-handed starter can replicate his most recent outing, the club's rotation could be even better than originally projected.
Suárez missed the first month of the season after experiencing back stiffness during spring training. The soon-to-be free agent looked good in his first two innings in his first outing of the regular season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he began to struggle as the game progressed and ended up being charged with seven earned runs over 3 2/3 innings.
Saturday night was a different story and the lefty's outing could put the rest of the National League on notice.
Ranger Suárez fires warning shot at rest of National League after twirling gem on Saturday
In his second start, Suárez looked much more dialed in. It took him just 82 pitches to complete seven shutout innings. He struck out five while allowing just four base runners.
After his start, Suárez spoke to the media and discussed what was different between his rough first outing and his most recent gem. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com noted what the left-hander had to say about his change in pitching style:
“In my last start I was kind of overthrowing the ball a little bit, so I think that’s the difference,” Suárez said through a translator, per Zolecki. “I pitched with what I had today.”
If Suárez truly has figured it out and can return to pitching the way he did when healthy in 2024, the Phillies' rotation could be even more of a force to be reckoned with than anyone thought.
Through this point in the season, the starting staff has the sixth-best ERA in Major League Baseball at 3.35. Their 3.26 xFIP ranks as the best in the league, as does their 5.0 fWAR.
Adding a healthy Suárez back into the mix will only help matters. The club also has some added starting pitching depth. Taijuan Walker has pitched well, both in the rotation and now in the bullpen, and Andrew Painter is making progress in his rehab program.
With five set starters and some others who could be available if and when they are needed, the Phillies' rotation stacks up with the best in baseball. Suárez's outing in Saturday's game was just another example of how this starting staff can give the team a chance to win on a night-in and night-out basis.