Rob Thomson revealed Wednesday that Ranger Suárez is dealing with mild back stiffness and won’t make his scheduled Grapefruit League start on Friday. After missing time with back issues last season, this is a situation the Phillies can ill afford as they head into the season’s final stretch of prep.
How big a deal is this? Well, let’s just say the words “Suárez” and “back” have already carried too much baggage. He missed multiple stretches last year, including skipping the All-Star Game and spending nearly a month on the IL. Now, just a week from Opening Day, the Phillies are left wondering if he’ll be ready.
Thomson told reporters he’s hopeful the team will know more over the next several days.
Here’s the math: Suárez was lined up to start Game 4 or 5 of the season—March 31 or April 2, both at home against Colorado. But the Phillies will want to see him face hitters, bounce back, and prove he’s good to go before he makes a start. No guarantees that's happening now.
And if he’s not ready? Enter Taijuan Walker.
Walker, making his fourth start of the spring Wednesday, threw 83 pitches—and got roughed up by the Yankees. Three homers. Six total this spring. Just six strikeouts in 13 innings in Grapefruit League action. And if you’re looking for reassurance, you won’t find much. Opponents hit .366 off him in the second half last season with a 1.146 OPS. He walked more batters (16) than he struck out (15).
The starting rotation is a strength for the Phillies—but only if Suárez is healthy and can return to something close to the form he showed in the first half last season, when he posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.
It's not panic time by any stretch, but this is a story worth following.
So, why Marchan? Well, he’s the better defensive option, and as a switch-hitter, he offers versatility. But here's the wrinkle: Marchan entered camp with no options remaining. That meant if the Phillies wanted to send him to Triple-A, they’d have to risk losing him entirely. Stubbs, however, still had an option left.
For years, the backup catcher role in Philly has been about as low-stakes as it gets. After all, with J.T. Realmuto—one of the hardest-working catchers in the game—catching the lion’s share of the work, the No. 2 guy’s job was more about keeping the seat warm. But at 34, Realmuto’s workload may be a little lighter this season, with the Phillies looking to keep him fresh for October. And with that, the pressure is on whoever backs him up. That person is now Marchan.
Stubbs Optioned
The Phillies made it official Thursday: Garrett Stubbs has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. That move clears the way for Rafael Marchan to open the 2025 season as J.T. Realmuto’s backup catcher. Stubbs, who posted an .804 OPS in 10 spring games and earned a reputation as a clubhouse favorite, wasn’t bad this spring. But here’s the catch: His career MLB numbers are still more meh than wow, sitting at .215/.294/.311.
So, why Marchan? Well, he’s the better defensive option, and as a switch-hitter, he offers versatility. But here's the wrinkle: Marchan entered camp with no options remaining. That meant if the Phillies wanted to send him to Triple-A, they’d have to risk losing him entirely. Stubbs, however, still had an option left.
For years, the backup catcher role in Philly has been about as low-stakes as it gets. After all, with J.T. Realmuto—one of the hardest-working catchers in the game—catching the lion’s share of the work, the No. 2 guy’s job was more about keeping the seat warm. But at 34, Realmuto’s workload may be a little lighter this season, with the Phillies looking to keep him fresh for October. And with that, the pressure is on whoever backs him up. That person is now Marchan.
