Phillies LHP Ranger Suárez Shines in Rehab Start in Clearwater

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed starter Ranger Suárez took an important step toward returning to the team's rotation on Thursday night in Clearwater.

Suárez missed most of Spring Training with back tightness and finally began his 2025 season with a rehab assignment at Single-A Clearwater on Thursday. He threw 33 pitches (24 strikes) in three innings, giving up one hit and striking out four.

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Suárez has been a key arm for Philadelphia. He went 12-8 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.20 WHIP last season, earning his first All-Star nod. Although he didn't pitch in the game due to back tightness, he returned in late August but wasn’t quite as sharp in the second half. In his place, Taijuan Walker has started two games and has yet to give up a run, so the Phillies will likely replace him with Suárez when he is ready to return. Last season Walker struggled with a 7.10 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 18 games.

Suárez is one of two potential big-time reinforcements who could help the Phillies this season. The other is hard-throwing right-hander Andrew Painter, who had a standout 2022 campaign in the minors before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2023 and 2024 seasons. A rehab stint is also just around the corner for Painter, who is set to pitch on Friday in Clearwater (click here to watch). The 21-year-old is the Phillies' top pitching prospect and will throw about 35 pitches over two innings in his season debut.

The Best Philly Athletes Age 25 or Younger

Philadelphia has some great young athletes right now, from All-Star Tyrese Maxey to two first-round draft picks on the Eagles Defensive Line (Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter). In honor of the Philly Sports Youth Movement, here is my ranking of the Top Ten Philadelphia Professional Athletes who are 25 years old or younger:

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media