Philadelphia Phillies: Ranger Suarez injury is latest call for a starting pitcher trade

Zach Eflin and Ranger Suarez are both on the IL leaving the Philadelphia Phillies scrambling for whatever they can get out of guys like Cristopher Sanchez and Bailey Falter. It’s far from ideal for a team that is inching closer to a wild card spot.

Now down to Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola plus whatever they can get out of Kyle Gibson, the team has an ever-increasing need to bolster the roster with some starting pitcher depth. It was already apparent they should be in the market for someone even prior to losing Eflin and Suarez.

This is a club built on power, two good starting pitchers, and a whole lot of questions everywhere else. In this period without Bryce Harper and two of their starting pitchers, there’s an even greater call to action to add some depth.

The Philadelphia Phillies need to trade for a starting pitcher more now than ever.

They don’t need to bring in a Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt. The Phillies have a need for a good number three starter—not a potential ace. While we’d certainly jump for joy at the idea of the team having three reliable starting pitchers, it’s just not practical. The Phillies don’t have the assets to compete with other teams in the market for starting pitchers. They’re also a little too buried in the standings to think one arm would make enough of a difference.

There are essentially two types of players the Phillies should be looking at during this year’s trade deadline frenzy. One category would be cheap rentals. The other would be guys under contract for at least another year. This Phillies team doesn’t feel like a World Series contender. If they were able to get hot, though, anything could happen.

A trade deadline hedge is what the Phillies need. They shouldn’t go all in this year. But if they can add a piece that can stick around for next season, it might be worth it.

Primarily, this team needs to focus on their starting pitcher depth. It brings them to an easy conclusion once their starters do get healthy. Someone, probably Suarez, moves to the bullpen. This bolsters the rotation and gives them a better bullpen just by adding one player into the mix.

There are affordable and good starting pitchers out there. Unfortunately, many won’t be available for at least a few more weeks. Teams like the Texas Rangers with Martin Perez can smell the postseason. Other teams may quickly find themselves on losing streaks and going from buyers to sellers.

Until we get closer to the end of July, it’s the guys they already have or the waiver wire. Neither is all that appealing. Regardless of it all, the Phillies do need to make a move. They’ve been caught in the middle all year and will remain there. Suarez’s injury is just the latest reminder of what has been staring them in the face all season.