Phillies Announce 2 Key Roster Moves for 28-Man Roster Expansion
September is finally here, meaning every MLB team can now roster 28 players instead of 26. This time of year is important because it allows clubs to add veteran reinforcements for a playoff push, as well as seeing if their top prospects are ready for the big leagues.
When it comes to the Philadelphia Phillies, they fall into the former category when it comes to this year’s September call-ups.
The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Scott Lauber reports that the Phillies are reinstating left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez and centerfielder Cristian Pache from the injured list. The veteran duo will serve as the team’s 27th and 28th players going forward.
As MLB rosters expand to 28 players today, #Phillies reinstate Ranger Suárez and Cristian Pache from the injured list, as expected. Suárez could start as early as Sunday; Pache will be an extra outfielder with speed and defense.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) September 1, 2023
Getting Suarez and Pache back at full strength is huge for the Phillies’ postseason push. As it stands, Philadelphia is available at +2100 odds to win the 2023 World Series (No. 8), per FanDuel Sportsbook.
Phillies Roster News
When it comes to when the duo will play, Lauber adds that “Suarez could start as early as Sunday” to close out a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Meanwhile, Pache is viewed more as “an extra outfielder” who can chip in when possible.
Suarez hasn’t taken to the mound since suffering a hamstring injury in the middle of August. The 28-year-old Southpaw’s 2-6 record in 17 starts isn’t exactly impressive, however, he has pitched to a 3.88 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 97 1/3 innings.
If he can pick up from where he left off (2.45 ERA in three August starts), Suarez’s presence gives the Phillies’ rotation a serious boost.
Meanwhile, Philly fans can’t wait to see Pache back on the field for the first time in nearly two months. The speedy outfielder has dealt with injuries throughout the 2023 MLB season, first tearing his right meniscus at the end of April before undergoing elbow surgery in July.
Whenever he has been available, though, Pache has looked like a special player.
The 24-year-old has racked up two home runs, seven doubles, and eight RBIs while slashing .327/.365/.592 across 49 at-bats. Is that a small sample size? Yes, but if his production is legitimate, the Phillies have a lethal bench player on their hands.
After an impressive 17-10 run in August, the Phillies couldn’t have gotten their reinforcements at a better time to help extend that momentum.
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