Phillies News: J.T. Realmuto's milestone, Taijuan Walker's return, Ranger Suárez's progress

The Philadelphia Phillies are starting to right the ship; at least it looks that way from the last handful of games. They took two of three from the Los Angeles Dodgers and, more importantly, secured the season series against the potential NLCS opponent.

After splitting the first two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phillies have won four of their last six games.

Phillies News: J.T. Realmuto's milestone, Taijuan Walker's return, Ranger Suárez's progress

Aside from what's happening on the field, there's more good news for the Phillies. Despite newcomer Austin Hays landing on the 10-day IL on Friday after straining his hamstring earlier in the week, the Phillies have some pitching help on the way back from the infirmary.

But first, we'll start with a feel-good story from one of the Phillies' veteran players.

J.T. Realmuto reaches service time milestone

One of the positive pieces of news this week comes not from on the field but off, with veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto reaching the 10 years of MLB service time milestone on Thursday. The impressive mark isn’t a common feat for major leaguers, but it’s an important one — the milestone guarantees Realmuto his full pension.

The 33-year-old also gained 10-and-5 rights, meaning that by being with the Phillies for at least the past five years he now gains the ability to veto any trade proposal.

“It’s crazy how 10 years sounds a lot more than what it feels like to me,” Realmuto said after Thursday’s game, per MLB.com’s Patrick Brown. “It’s just crazy to me thinking that six years ago I was in Miami. It’s gone by really fast.”

The three-time All-Star celebrated with his first home run since May 23 and a double in the Phillies' 6-4 win against the Diamondbacks.

Taijuan Walker is nearing his return to the Phillies rotation

It was assumed, after his last Double-A rehab outing, that Taijuan Walker would be back with the Phillies for the next turn through the rotation. Now we have confirmation.

The veteran right-hander has been confirmed as the Phillies’ starter for the team’s first game back at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Corey Seidman. It will mark the first time that he has taken the mound for the Phillies since June 21. Walker went on the 15-day IL on June 23 with a blister on his index finger that was hampering the effectiveness of his splitter.

In his final rehab start for the Reading Fightin Phils, Walker gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out three over 2 2/3 innings. On the season, he’s 3-3 with a 5.60 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over 10 starts. The Phillies will need him to come back and be consistent and eat some innings down the stretch.

Ranger Suárez making good progress in his recovery

There’s more good news on the starting rotation front. Ranger Suárez is also getting closer to making his return from the IL. He landed on the shelf with lower back soreness on July 27.

The lefty threw a two-inning simulated game on Thursday and has now built up to 36 pitches. He’ll need to throw a bullpen session, live batting practice and, from the sounds of it, go on a rehab assignment before the team brings him back.

“In my mind, I’d kind of like to see [a rehab assignment] just to get him some competition,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said, per MLB.com. “Cover first base and field bunts, stuff like that, in a competitive atmosphere.”

The Phillies haven’t provided an exact date for Suárez’s return, but we do know that it will be after the upcoming homestand. That means that we might see Suarez make a start in the series in Atlanta against the Braves from Aug. 20-22.