Sep 5, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) celebrates with teammates against the Miami Marlins after the second inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro
WASHINGTON — Manager Rob Thomson gave updates on the statuses of two injured Phillies prior to Saturday's game against the Nationals.
Ranger Suárez (lower back stiffness) threw a 26-pitch bullpen in Clearwater Saturday.
"The report was really good, the velocity was good. So that's a good sign," Thomson said. "We'll wait til tomorrow to reassess it when he comes in and figure out where we go from there."
The next step for Suárez — according to Thomson — would be "somewhat of an up-down bullpen," assuming the lefty feels good tomorrow. He wouldn't be facing live hitters yet.
Suárez, who is in a contract year, will likely require some sort of rehab appearance before returning to the Phillies, Thomson said.
Meanwhile, Weston Wilson (left oblique strain) took batting practice on the field in Clearwater for the first time since his injury Saturday. Sunday will likely be a recovery day, and then the utility man will continue to progress.
In 44 at-bats against lefties last season, Wilson hit .341. That's obviously a small sample size, but on a team with so many left-handed hitters, he would be a valuable piece on the bench.
Thomson said the goal all along for the Phillies has been to have Wilson begin a rehab assignment around mid-April.
For what it's worth, players can rehab for up to 20 days before the team has to make a decision whether to add them to the 26-man roster or option them. Wilson does have one remaining minor-league option.
