Ranger Suárez to miss start of 2025 season on injured list

In the United States, Philadelphia Phillies' pitcher Ranger Suárez is set to miss the start of the 2025 regular season as he recovers from lower back soreness. Manager Rob Thomson announced during a broadcast that Suárez suffered the injury during spring training last week. This injury is particularly concerning as it is not the first time Suárez has faced back issues in his career. Last season, he had a solid performance leading up to the All-Star break but was hindered by a similar back injury that affected his form in the second half of the 2024 season. With Suárez out, Taijuan Walker will take on the role of the fifth starter in the Phillies' rotation. Walker is entering the third year of a lucrative four-year contract worth $72 million but had a challenging season in 2024, which included being removed from the starting rotation. This adjustment to the starting lineup comes in light of the team’s preparations for the regular season and reflects the challenges they face as they move forward. Philadelphia president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, indicated a cautious approach to Suárez's recovery, noting the importance of allowing him to fully recuperate before returning to the mound. Dombrowski mentioned that Suárez feels better but emphasized the need for a gradual build-up to ensure his long-term health. The management remains hopeful that Suárez could potentially be ready to pitch by next month, suggesting that the team is optimistic but will prioritize his well-being. Overall, the Phillies will open their 2025 season on the road against the Washington Nationals, with ace Zack Wheeler starting the game. The presence of injuries, particularly that of an All-Star pitcher like Suárez, presents a significant challenge for the team as they look to maintain competitive performance while managing player health.