Suarez started Game 1 of the NLDS for the Phils at Truist Park, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing one hit. He essentially was used as an opener as manager Rob Thomson aggressively used his bullpen.
Thomson isn't sure what he'll do tonight, so it seems Suarez will dictate his own fate in front of what's sure to be a raucous crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
"I haven't said to him or to anybody because I just don't know how the game's going to go," Thomson said. "This guy might go out there and pitch seven innings tonight. I don't know. But we do have the option to be aggressive because of the day off tomorrow and the fact that everybody is available today. So I don't know how the game's going to go, but it's an option for us."
The Braves counter with ace right-hander Spencer Strider in a win or go home situation. The 24-year-old surrendered just one run on five hits over seven frames in Game 1 of the NLDS.
Philly fans chanted Strider's name in a mocking tone during the late stages of last night's contest.
"Strider is tough, man," Bryce Harper said last night. "He's one of the best in baseball. Possible Cy Young this year. I don't know if I've ever said that about a pitcher or anything like that. But that's what makes our fans the best in the world. And we'll go out there and play our game and understand that we just gotta play our game and not worry about anything else."
The Phillies tied a postseason record in Game 3 with six homers, including a pair by Harper and Nick Castellanos, en route to a 10-2 victory. The club enters tonight with a 14-4 record all-time in games they can clinch a postseason series.
Did You Know
Through five games this postseason, the Phillies starting staff have combined to post a 1.53 ERA with 34 strikeouts, four walks, and have limited opponents to a .406 OPS.
Tonight's Lineup
Schwarber DH 0
Turner 6
Harper 3
Bohm 5
Stott 4
Realmuto 2
Castellanos 9
Marsh 7
Rojas 8
Suarez LHP
