The Philadelphia Phillies secured a thrilling, nail-biting victory in Game 2 against the New York Mets on Sunday, evening the NLDS at one game each. The offense surged in the sixth inning, leading to a 7-6 walk-off win, ensuring at least a Game 4 in this best-of-five series.
Ranger Suárez is expected to start for the Phillies in Game 4. This matchup will be crucial, regardless of the outcome of Game 3 on Tuesday at Citi Field. The result will determine whether the Phillies are poised for a third consecutive trip to the NLCS or if Rob Thomson’s team faces the risk of an early postseason exit.
Phillies’ decision to name Ranger Suárez as the Game 4 starter seems risky after his second-half struggles
The Phillies’ manager announced on Monday that Ranger Suárez will start in Game 4, according to Tim Kelly of On Pattison. This decision might not have been a topic of discussion, given Suárez’s impressive performances in the previous two postseasons and the start of the 2024 season. However, the left-hander has faced challenges since his start on June 25, where he allowed eight hits and two earned runs in six innings against the Detroit Tigers.
Suárez began the season strong, posting a 10-1 record with a 1.75 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a .191 batting average against through June 19. Since then, though, he has struggled, going 2-7, with his ERA climbing to 3.46, WHIP to 1.20, and batting average against rising to .243.
Initially a Cy Young Award contender in the first half of the season, concerns now surround Suárez’s effectiveness in the playoffs. The hope is that he can regain his form as a dominant pitcher, but he may have a short leash when he pitches in New York on Wednesday.
The playoff environment could potentially elevate Suárez’s performance, as the atmosphere differs significantly from the regular season. He has a solid postseason track record, boasting a career 3-1 playoff record with a 1.62 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts over nine games, including two appearances out of the bullpen.
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