Categories: Phillies Beat with Destiny Lugardo

Ranger Suárez expected to start Saturday in London

Ranger Suárez is expected to start Saturday for the Phillies in London. (Cheryl Pursell)

Ranger Suárez (thumb) is scheduled to throw a light bullpen on Friday during the Phillies’ workout day in London and is expected to start the next day against the New York Mets.

Rob Thomson told reporters prior to Wednesday’s game against the Brewers that Suárez played catch and that the thumb “feels good.”

Taijuan Walker will start Sunday with Zack Wheeler scheduled to go Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The Phillies are fortunate to see Suárez avoid serious injury. There was an ominous feeling around the park on Saturday when Suárez was lifted early after getting hit in the thumb with a hard comebacker. X-rays came back negative. The line drive did not directly hit any bones in Suárez’s hand. A direct hit could have led to an extended absence.

Suárez has been one the top pitchers in MLB this season. His 1.70 ERA is the lowest among qualified starters. He’s tied with the Royals’ Seth Lugo in wins with nine. He’s also allowed the fewest hits among National League starters at 43.

Notes

J.T. Realmuto (soreness everywhere) is not in the lineup for Wednesday’s series finale. The original plan was to have Realmuto catch all three games against the Brewers, but after getting hit directly in the groin on Tuesday night, Thomson is opting to be cautious. He should be ready to go for London. The three-day break could be a reset for him. “I don’t like him going more than four days in a row,” Thomson said. “It’s all dependent on how he feels. Try to take care of him as much as I can.”

Brandon Marsh (hamstring) did some light jogging. He will stay back in Philly this weekend. Thomson added that there is a chance Marsh was going to start swinging the bat and hitting soft toss, but he did not receive an update on that at the time he met the reporters. Marsh is currently on the 10-day injured, but the Phillies are hoping for a relatively quick turnaround. When asked if there is a grade on Marsh’s hamstring, Thomson joked, “Half.”
Kody Clemens (back spasms) is feeling better, according to Thomson. He was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. He will also stay behind as the team travels to London.