With the Phillies set to face a right-hander in the second game Saturday, Kyle Schwarber likely will bat in the leadoff spot.

Suarez (back) will throw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez's sore back is better, but it is far from certain he will make his first scheduled start in the rotation. It is not how Suárez wanted to finish Spring Training before he enters the biggest season of his professional career.

The All-Star southpaw will miss some time in what might be just a precautionary placement. Visit MLB Trade Rumors for more.

The Phillies’ pitching staff is likely set with Opening Day four days away. Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez is expected to open the season on the 15-day injured list, pushing right-hander Taijuan Walker into the rotation.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The last time Ranger Suárez suffered a back injury, it sidelined him for nearly a month in 2024. While he felt stiffness in the same part of his back on Sunday night, a day after pitching four innings in an intrasquad game, the Phillies left-hander doesn’t think it’s as severe this time.

The Phillies placed Suarez on the 15-day injured list Thursday with low-back stiffness, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. Suarez is throwing on flat ground as he overcomes a back issue but is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season. Taijuan Walker is occupying a spot in the Philadelphia rotation until Suarez is ready.

Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez will begin the season on the Injured List, which will have right-hander Taijuan Walker move into the rotation as the fifth starter for the time being, manager Rob Thomson said on Sunday per MLB.com's Phillies beat Todd Zolecki.

Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez will open the season on the injured list as he recovers from lower back soreness