Phillies Ranger Suárez Has Encouraging First Rehab Start

Ranger threw 24 of 33 pitches for strikes while his fastball stayed consistently in the low 90s, averaging out to 92.2 mph. It's right around where it normally sits for him, and slightly faster than last year, when Suárez dealt with a back issue similar to the one that popped up a few weeks ago.

Suárez made 27 starts for the Phillies last season, posting a 3.52 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 150.2 innings. He's now in the final year of his rookie contract and could test the free agency waters this offseason if the team does not offer an agreeable extension.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said at the beginning of the season that Suárez would miss about three starts, and so far he's on schedule to not exceed that. If he were to throw one more time in the minors, then Ranger could return as soon as Sunday, April 20th against the Miami Marlins. 

The Phils are in the middle of a 16-game stretch without any days off, so if he is ready to go before the end of it, Suárez would provide some aid to a pitching staff that will be worked hard out of necessity.