Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez will open the season on the IL with lower back soreness, with Taijuan Walker sliding into the rotation to take his place.

Philadelphia Phillies trade pitcher, sending a package to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for a 2023 MLB All-Star.

With the Phillies set to face a right-hander in the second game Saturday, Kyle Schwarber likely will bat in the leadoff spot.

Suarez (back) will throw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The All-Star southpaw will miss some time in what might be just a precautionary placement. Visit MLB Trade Rumors for more.

The Phillies’ pitching staff is likely set with Opening Day four days away. Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez is expected to open the season on the 15-day injured list, pushing right-hander Taijuan Walker into the rotation.

The Phillies placed Suarez on the 15-day injured list Thursday with low-back stiffness, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. Suarez is throwing on flat ground as he overcomes a back issue but is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season. Taijuan Walker is occupying a spot in the Philadelphia rotation until Suarez is ready.

A press release from the Phillies announced that starter Ranger Suárez will be placed on the 15-day injured list with low back stiffness, and infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson will be placed on the 10-day injured list. Both were retroactive to March 24th.

The Philadelphia Phillies won’t roll out the full force of their rotation to begin the 2025 MLB season. According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Phillies All-Star Ranger Suarez will be sidelined to begin the campaign (h/t Philadelphia Phillies on SI’s Cameron Zunkel):