Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez will start the regular season on the injured list. Suárez is dealing with a back injury. Taijuan Walker will start the season in the rotation. Meanwhile, relief pitcher Matt Strahm is ready to go on opening day. Strahm had been dealing with an elbow injury. Carlos Hernández was claimed off of waivers from the Kansas City Royals. Hernández has no minor league options left and is therefore in line to be on the Phillies opening day roster at this moment. Tyler Phillips was designated for assignment in the corresponding move. Phillips is also out of minor league options, which necessitates this move. Michael Mercado was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley opening the door for this move to be made. Mercado and Phillips have been competing for a roster spot in the event Strahm or Suárez had to go on the injured list.

Implications For The Rotation And Opening Day Roster

Suárez is unlikely to get a contract extension because of durability concerns. Last season Suárez spent time on the injured list due to a similar injury. Suárez has pitched more than 150 innings in a season in two of his seven major league seasons. As a result of a Phillies starting pitcher heading to the injured list to start the season, Walker gets another chance in the rotation. Walker will make at least one start. Suárez will spend at least the first 15 days of the regular season on the injured list. If Suárez spends the minimum amount of time on the injured list Walker will make one start. When Suárez comes off the injured list, a decision must be made between Walker and Hernández. Walker has two years and $36 million dollars left on his contract.