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Philadelphia Phillies: 8 players to keep an eye on during Spring Training

By David Esser

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 05: Matt Moore #51 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 5, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB photos via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 05: Matt Moore #51 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 5, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB photos via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies Ranger Suarez
Jul 18, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Ranger Suarez, LHP

A name that has been somewhat forgotten this offseason, the general assumption is that Ranger Suarez is geared up for a return to action this season after missing the majority of 2020 due to COVID-19. A left-hander who can operate as both a starter and a reliever, questions about his role this year are similar to that of Matt Moore’s.

Suarez could definitely compete for a back-end starting job if he shows up to Spring Training in exceptional form, or he could slide back into the bullpen as a long-reliever.

In 2019, Suarez was arguably one of the best pitchers on the entire Phillies roster. He posted a 3.14 ERA across 48.2 innings, and ultimately posted a win-loss record go 6-1. While he doesn’t throw very hard compared to most major league pitchers, Suarez’ control and ability to locate pitches is above average. He induced a lot of weak contact in 2019, something that made life easy on the defense behind him.

Suarez really had a brutal 2020 year due to his bout with COVID-19, so it’s hard to know exactly where he’s at from a fitness standpoint. This year’s Spring Training might very well be a re-evaluation period for the young lefty.

Should he impress Joe Girardi and his staff this spring, he’ll definitely be someone worth turning to out of the bullpen (or as a starter).

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