Phillies place Ranger Suárez on the 15-day IL

Back before the All-Star Game, the Phillies held Ranger Suárez back from his final start before the half. Lower back tightness prevented Suárez from making his first-ever All-Star appearance.

Phillies place Suarez on 15-day IL

His first start after the break seemed encouraging. While the Phillies were holding him to around 80 pitches he was still able to go 5.1 IP. He did give up 7 hits, however.

Now, a different back problem has landed Suárez on the 15-day IL. It is retroactive to July 24. Before the break, it was the right side of his back. Now, it’s his left. “He woke up yesterday with tightness in his back,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He thought he could work though it in his bullpen. We’re going to be super cautious.”

Left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Suárez had a 2.87 ERA on the season in 119.1 IP. His ridiculous April and May led to his first career All-Star Game selection. In 10 April/May starts, Ranger had a 1.48 ERA and was averaging 6.2 IP a start.

He had been faltering of late. In his last 4 starts, he had a 7.71 ERA and had given up 29 hits.

Allar to replace Suarez

Allard last appeared in the Majors last season with the Atlanta Braves, posting a 6.57 ERA in 12.1 IP. He has spent the majority of 2024 with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. In Triple-A, he’s had a 5.23 ERA in 63.2 IP. He has been better recently, throwing 4 quality starts in his last 5. In that time, he has a 3.07 ERA in 29.1 IP with 29 strikeouts.

Suárez could be back as early as the Diamondbacks series. The Phillies are optimistic that the injury is not serious. Suárez did not go for an MRI.