Philadelphia Phillies Set Timetable For Starter's Return

The Philadelphia Phillies believe that starting pitcher Ranger Suárez could be ready to start this weekend against Milwaukee.

Injured Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez could start as early as Sunday, per MLB.com.

Suárez threw live batting practice on Monday, his latest session as he makes progress from a right hamstring strain. He threw about 30 pitches, the equivalent of two innings of work.

The next step for Suárez will be to throw one more bullpen session on Friday before the Phillies’ first game of a three-game series against Milwaukee.

If that goes well the Phillies intend to activate Suárez and start him on Sunday, according to manager Rob Thomson.

When he returns, the Phillies will implement a six-man rotation at least through Sept. 11. That is a stretch of 11 games in 11 days that includes a day off but a doubleheader with the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 11.

The Phillies placed him on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 19 (retroactive to Aug. 16) with the hamstring strain. The team has been optimistic throughout his recovery that he would not need a rehab assignment before returning to the rotation.

He is eligible to be activated on Friday when the Phillies open a three-game series against the Brewers.

Suárez (2-6, 3.88) last pitched against Minnesota on Aug. 13. He gave up six hits and two earned runs in 6.1 innings. He struck out eight and walked three.

Suárez is 0-3 in his last seven starts with a 4.17 ERA, as he’s struck out 34 and walked 17 in 41 innings.

The Phillies wrap up a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.