Phillies Reinstate Suárez, Pache from Injured List

The calendar has officially turned to September.  The Phillies opened the day a whopping 14 games out of first place in the National League East.  Nonetheless, the Phillies remain in the top wild card spot, 4.5 games ahead of other teams for wild card contention, and 3 full games ahead of the Chicago Cubs, the second wild card.

The month of September also means expanded rosters.  The Phillies cannot add a full 40-man roster as the rules have changed, but teams can add two extra players.  The Phillies added those players in the form of two players coming off of the injured list.

The Phillies announced that left-handed starting pitcher Ranger Suárez and outfielder Cristian Pache have been activated from the injured list.

Suárez will start on Sunday in Milwaukee against the Brewers against lefty Wade Miley.   The move places Suárez, now back from a hamstring strain, in his familiar third spot in the starting rotation.  All eyes will be on Suárez and the other starters as they head down the stretch to see who will take the ball after Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the playoffs.

Pache's role on the club has been filled admirably by Johan Rojas since Pache landed on the injured list due to irritation from a screw in his elbow that remained from a previous injury.  The speed and defense that Rojas brings likely will still be utilized by the Phillies, who have an additional outfield option down the stretch.  The Phillies could field a defensive outfield of Pache, Rojas, and Brandon Marsh in late innings.

The move means that the Phillies will not have a third catcher, which has been a typical September move.  The Phillies have Rafael Marchan on the 40-man roster and could call him up should they have an open roster spot for whatever reason down the stretch.