Philly Leader

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Rob Thomson believes Ranger Suárez’s lower back injury could ultimately benefit both the left-hander and the team.

On Saturday afternoon, the Phillies placed Suárez on the 15-day injured list due to soreness on the lower left side of his back. This is the second back issue he has encountered in recent weeks. Suárez missed his first National League All-Star appearance in Texas last week because of spasms on his right side. He returned to the rotation on Monday in Minnesota and reported feeling fine afterward. However, he woke up Friday morning experiencing “tightness,” as described by Thomson.

Suárez, who was unavailable for comment before Saturday night’s game against the Guardians, attempted to work through the soreness during Friday’s bullpen session but was unable to do so.

“We’re going to be super cautious and give him a little rest,” Thomson said. “Over the course of a full season, guys typically need some time off. I think he’ll come out of this and he’ll be stronger coming down the stretch.”

Suárez can be activated from the IL as early as Aug. 7 in Los Angeles, but Thomson expressed hope that he will rejoin the rotation for the series in Arizona from Aug. 8-11.

Philadelphia promoted left-hander Kolby Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Suárez’s place in the rotation. He will start Sunday afternoon’s series finale against Cleveland. Allard struggled earlier this season with the IronPigs, but since rejoining them in early June, he is 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA over eight appearances.

Suárez’s latest setback will further test the Phillies’ rotation depth, placing additional importance on rookie right-hander Tyler Phillips, who started on Saturday.

In addition to Suárez, Taijuan Walker (right index finger) and Spencer Turnbull (right lat) are also on the IL.

Walker threw a live BP session on Saturday which went well according to Thomson, noting an uptick in velocity, improved command, and a better splitter. Walker may throw another live BP session on Wednesday; if successful, he could begin a rehab assignment soon after.

Turnbull is currently playing catch from 90 feet and may throw off a mound Monday. If so, he could then proceed to Clearwater, Fla., to continue his rehab.