Breaking News: Rob Thomson Provides Updates on Sanchez, Suarez, and Potential Six-Man Rotation for Phillies
Back in Philadelphia, Phillies manager Rob Thomson addressed several questions about his pitching staff Tuesday afternoon.
Thomson confirmed that Cristopher Sanchez will start Wednesday’s game against the Nationals, with Taijuan Walker set to pitch Thursday. Beyond that, the rotation remains undecided.
Sanchez, who left his last outing early due to tightness in his left forearm, will only be delayed by one day in the rotation. Thomson reassured reporters that Sanchez has felt fine since, although the team held him back from throwing as a precaution.
The Phillies are also assessing when Ranger Suarez will rejoin the rotation. After missing the start of the season with lower back tightness, Suarez has made four minor league rehab appearances. In his latest start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowed one run, and struck out eight over 78 pitches. Across all his rehab starts, Suarez has a 1.08 ERA in 16 2/3 innings.
Asked if Suarez needs another rehab game, Thomson said, “Don’t know yet,” adding that a decision would come after Suarez throws a bullpen session Wednesday.
Thomson acknowledged that a six-man rotation is under consideration once Suarez returns, though it’s not finalized. He noted that such a move would affect the bullpen, an area already struggling with a 5.28 ERA and seven blown saves—both near the bottom of the league.
“It removes a reliever from the bullpen, so you need flexibility there,” Thomson said. “That’s something we’re always evaluating.”
Regarding top pitching prospect Andrew Painter, Thomson mentioned the likelihood of him moving up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for his next outing. However, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Painter will stay with Single-A Clearwater for now, with a potential promotion north in May. He’s expected to pitch about four innings and throw 60 pitches Thursday.
Thomson said Painter is projected to pitch 120-130 innings this season, with a possible MLB debut in midsummer. So far, Painter has thrown 7 1/3 innings in Clearwater, giving up two runs (2.45 ERA), with 10 strikeouts and only one walk.
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