Phillies News: Matt Strahm, Ranger Suárez injury updates, ex-Phils on Braves’ roster
Overall, the Philadelphia Phillies experienced a relatively quiet spring training. Sometimes quiet is a good thing. As the club prepares to leave Clearwater ahead of Opening Day in Washington, they will be doing so with a mostly healthy roster.
Matt Strahm and Ranger Suárez were the only players reported to be dealing with any concerning injuries prior to the start of the 2025 campaign. However, it sounds as if one or both players could be ready to go when the regular season arrives, per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
In addition to the news on some current Phillies’ players, some old friends have found a new home with the divisional foe Atlanta Braves.
Matt Strahm and Ranger Suárez are on the road to recovery
Both Stahm and Suárez threw on Saturday in Clearwater after experiencing their own separate injuries. Strahm pitched against Toronto Blue Jays minor league players. He struck out the side while allowing a double, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lochlahn March.
Three strikeouts for Matt Strahm against the Blue Jays minor leaguers this morning. Allowed one double
The left-handed reliever also toyed with a new pitch (subscription required) — a changeup — in his outing, per March. Reports indicate that the session went well, and the reliever is on pace to be ready to go for Opening Day, barring any setbacks.
Suárez played catch on Saturday, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic, as he deals with a sore back. The lefty will throw again on Sunday to see how he feels. The team will re-evaluate Suárez then. They will need to make a decision soon as the start of the season begins on Thursday.
Ranger Suárez (back) played catch today. He felt good, Rob Thomson said. He will play catch again Sunday. Phillies need to make a call on him in the next 48 hours.
With some scheduled off days to start the regular season, the Phillies could skip Suárez if he is still experiencing soreness. His recovery and throwing session on Sunday will dictate whether or not he will be healthy to start the season, or if he needs a stint on the injured list.
Enyel de los Santos and Héctor Neris both make Braves’ Opening Day roster
Two former Phillies’ relief pitchers made the 26-man roster for the Braves, the team announced on Friday.
De los Santos pitched for the Phillies in short stints in 2018 and 2019. He had a larger role in the bullpen in 2021 before being claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates that September. He has been a bit of a journeyman since his time in Philadelphia but has put up solid numbers this spring to start the season in Atlanta’s bullpen.
