Phillies' Suárez to open season on IL with back issue

Philadelphia Phillies starter Ranger Suárez will begin the season on the injured list, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Monday, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.

Suárez, 29, pitched just five innings this spring before being sidelined with a back injury. Dombrowski estimated the All-Star's absence as "three weeks or something at least."

Taijuan Walker will step into the Phillies' rotation for the time being.

Suárez also dealt with back issues during the second half of his breakout 2024 campaign. He still made 27 starts and finished the year with a 3.46 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 150 2/3 innings pitched.

The lefty owns a career 3.42 ERA (121 ERA+) through seven MLB seasons, all spent with the Phillies.