When the Philadelphia Phillies play their postseason game on Saturday, will their finest reliever be available
According to Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, manager Rob Thomson told reporters on Wednesday that All-Star Jeff Hoffman was absent from today’s mock game because of a “little stiff neck.”
As a precaution, Hoffman was not allowed to participate in the exercise; nonetheless, Thomson stated that the reliever will “be fine” when the playoffs start. In the NLDS, the Phillies will take on the victor of the Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets Wild Card series.
Notes about today's sim game:
– Ended in a 5-5 tie
– Hoffman didn't pitch because he came in w/ a "little stiff neck." Thomson said they held him back out of precaution and "he'll be fine" for Sat
– Castellanos & Harper hit back to back HRs off Banks. Wilson hit HR off Allard— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) October 2, 2024
Related: The Philadelphia Phillies’ five biggest chances to lose the World Series
After finishing the season with the eighth-best ERA (2.17) among National League relievers with at least 60 innings pitched, Hoffman made his debut as an All-Star in 2024.
Hoffman will be a free agent following the season. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are considering bringing the reliever back.
“It’s everything I could have hoped for,” Hoffman told The Athletic. “You know the team will be competitive, the owner is committed to winning, and the staff fully supports the players. The training team is top-notch. It’s just a great situation. If I want to play another four or five years, I feel like this is the place that can keep me healthy enough to do that and also give me a chance to win every year.”
Hoffman made a big impact with the Phillies in 2023 after throwing batting practice to Bryce Harper, who was recovering from injury, in late April. Hoffman impressed the team so much that they called him up from the minors, and he quickly became a standout. In 52 1/3 innings, he struck out 69 batters and posted a 2.41 ERA. He has since become manager Thomson’s most reliable reliever.
Good news for Ranger Suarez
Regarding starting Ranger Suarez, who had a terrible second half of the season, Thomson provided a favorable update. After Suarez tossed two innings in the mock game, the manager said he witnessed a “huge improvement” in the player.
“It was leaving his hand with excellent movement, and the curveball was cutting sharp. Thomson stated, via PHLY Sports, “Eased my mind.”
A back ailment that held him out for a month after the break caused Suarez, a first-time All-Star in 2024, to truly falter.
According to StatMuse, Suárez has struggled with a 6.54 ERA over 11 starts since June 30, allowing four or more earned runs in six of those outings.
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"I think so, you never know. In talking to Caleb, we both felt really good. It was coming out of his hand really good, movement was there, curveball was sharp. Eased my mind" – Rob Thomson on Ranger Suarez today
— PHLY Phillies (@PHLY_Phillies) October 2, 2024
For the Phillies to succeed in the playoffs, Suárez will need to be at his best. Based on his recent performances, he may only be effective for one trip through the batting order before being pulled.
Game 1 of the NLDS is set for 4:08 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.
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