Sitting behind only the division-rival Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies are off to their best start since 2011. Philly sits at 21-11 on the campaign. The Phillies even plus one in the win column over those stingy 20-9 Braves, who have played fewer games at this point.
It is next to impossible to win 20 games before May without quality starting pitching. Recently, Major League Baseball recognized one of the league’s best this season, and it is likely not either of the first two Philly pitchers that spring to mind. Perhaps it is a name you barely recognize, but this lefty hopes to change that narrative very soon.
Venezuelan Exporting W’s For Philadelphia Phillies
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While Zach Wheeler is the unquestioned ace of the Philadelphia pitching staff, there could be a quality argument made for Ranger Suarez as the No. 2 pitcher for Philly even after Aaron Nola signed a fat contract to remain in the “City of Brotherly Love” this offseason. But for those who fanatically watch the Phillies, Suarez has been that solid over the past few seasons. April 2024 was on an entirely different level for Suarez.
The southpaw pitcher from Pie de Cuesta, Venezuela showcased elite pitching abilities to start the season. In six starts, Suarez has dominated the N.L. with a 5-0 record, a minuscule 1.32 ERA, and 40 strikeouts over 41 innings of work. Suarez is second in ERA and first in WHIP in 2024. He also sits inside the top 20 in strikeouts with 40.
For comparison, Wheeler is 3-3, with a 1.91 ERA and 52 K’s over 42 innings in his seven starts.
Philadelphia Phillies Lefty has Excelled Before
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This is not the first time Suarez has displayed an ability to dominate in the Major Leagues. Over 39 games, and only 12 starts, Suarez pitched to a 1.36 ERA over 106 innings mostly working out of the bullpen in 2021. He struck out 107 batters.
In his first full year as a starting pitcher, Suarez delivered a 10-7 record in 29 starts. His 129 strikeouts over 155 innings was low for his standards. His ERA was also inflated finishing at 3.65, and he allowed 15 home runs. An early injury to his throwing shoulder limited Suarez’s output in 2023. While he battled through injury, he was not the same pitcher he was in 2021 when he first burst onto the scene.
In the postseason when the game is most important, Suarez has been a hurler the Phillies can turn to. He is 3-1 with a 1.62 ERA and 32 strikeouts over 33 innings. Suarez even picked up a save in the 2022 Playoffs against the San Diego Padres sending the Phillies to the World Series.
Lone Ranger Healthy for Phillies In 2024
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Now healthy in the 2024 season for the Philadelphia Phillies season, Suarez hopes to continue his brilliant streak of pitching as we enter “hitting season” as former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel used to call it. When the weather gets warmer, the ball flies through the air easier over the summer months. The truly elite pitchers keep runs off the board and give their team the best chance to claim victory.
For the Philadelphia Phillies to return to the World Series like they did two long years ago, they will need all they can get from their 28-year-old southpaw.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. With a varied professional background that includes an M.B.A. in Sports Management from Tiffin University, Chris can speak with authority on the subject matters that he covers. Additional insightful sports articles can be located here.
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