Ranger Suárez
Ranger Suárez is a weird player to decipher. He was injured going into the season from overwork during the WBC, so he missed some time. He also missed a couple of starts down the stretch with a hamstring injury as well. But, while he was on the field, he played well.
A consistent five-to-six-inning guy, Suárez pitched to contact and searched for the corners like he always does, leading to a 1.416 WHIP. This restricted him from going deeper into games and led to some silly or undeserved runs. All that being said, he ended with a 4.16 ERA and had some impressive starts along the way.
There’s nonchalant ...
— MLB (@MLB) October 20, 2023
And then there’s Ranger Suárez. pic.twitter.com/aZrVbSWiQp
Suárez plays a Gold Glove infield with one of the calmest demeanors in the sport. This is why he is and was trusted in some of the biggest spots of the playoffs. In the eventual series-clinching Game 4 against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, he threw five innings of one-run ball, allowing only three hits and walking none.
Suárez, coming into his final year of arbitration, needs to remind the Phillies front office of the heroics he can perform if he wants to earn the long-term deal he must be eyeing. He is a valuable lefty starter with bullpen flexibility and extensive playoff experience. While he's a very good pitcher, he looked just a bit off during most of the regular season.
Grade: B-