Phillies Starter Ranger Suárez Hits Injured List

The Phillies injury bug continues to bit the team.  While the Phillies still maintain a nine-game lead in the National League East, the Phillies have failed to gain any ground on the Atlanta Braves, who are struggling with many injuries.  In fact, the New York Mets now sit ahead of the Braves in the National League East and the Wild Card.  The latest injury to the Phillies will make further separation much more difficult.

The Phillies placed All-Star starting pitcher Ranger Suárez on the 15-day injured list on Saturday afternoon, the club announced.  The move is retroactive to July 24.  That means Suárez will miss at least two starts, if not more.

Suárez is bothered by the sore back that caused him to miss the All-Star game and push back his last start.  This time, it is the opposite side. Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters (including MLB.com's Todd Zolecki) that he does not expect Suárez to miss much more than the 15 minimum days.

Taking Suárez's spot will be Kolby Allard.  Allard was signed to a major league deal as a free agent.  The Phillies added Allard to be starting pitching depth at Triple-A as he had minor league options remaining.  The Phillies optioned Allard to Triple-A to start the season and he has not performed well in the minor leagues.

In 19 minor league appearances, including 13 starts, Allard is 2-7 with a 5.60 earned run average.  In July, Allard has a 2.89 earned run average and 1.02 WHIP.  So hopefully the Phillies are catching him on the upswing.

Tuesday afternoon is the MLB Trade Deadline.  Now down two starting pitchers (Taijuan Walker and Suárez) as well as their sixth starter on the roster (Spencer Turnbull) and with Michael Mercado unable to stick as a starter, the Phillies could pursue some additional starting pitching depth.

Suárez is listed as Sunday's starter.  With the off day on Thursday, the Phillies could pitch Zack Wheeler on normal rest, as well as Aaron Nola on Monday, leaving the fifth spot until Tuesday.  If the Phillies were to make an acquisition between now and Tuesday, perhaps they would have another option.