The pitcher is set to be activated from the injured list and will start for the Phillies on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s a month behind schedule due to a back injury.

The left-handed pitcher, who has been with the Phillies since 2012 and in the major leagues since 2018, is slated to become a free agent after this season. With high stakes ahead, Suárez has the opportunity to secure a lucrative contract with a strong performance over the next five months. However, another injury or underperformance could result in him settling for a prove-it deal.

This might also be his final shot at winning a World Series with the team he once referred to as his “childhood club.” While a long-term injury to another starter could alter the Phillies’ plans, the team is already preparing for his possible departure by acquiring Jesús Luzardo. Top prospect Andrew Painter is also expected to be ready for a rotation spot later this summer.

In the short term, Suárez’s return could provide a boost for the Phillies, the only team in baseball currently with an excess of major league starting pitchers. Taijuan Walker, who has posted a 2.78 ERA through five starts, will likely move to the bullpen as a long reliever. Interestingly, the Phillies faced a similar situation last year when Spencer Turnbull, with a 1.67 ERA, was relegated to the bullpen in favor of Walker.

Before Thursday’s game against the Nationals, Suárez shared his excitement about returning.

“I was getting tired of pitching in the rehab outings in the minor leagues,” Suárez said through a team interpreter.

The Phillies took a cautious approach to Suárez’s buildup. He made just two appearances in the Grapefruit League, with some outings occurring on the backfields. As spring training drew to a close, the Phillies announced that Suárez would start the season on the IL. He has since made four rehab appearances with Single-A Clearwater and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and he is now built up to 78 pitches. Suárez will pitch with some restrictions on Sunday.

“Everything’s going according to plan,” Suárez commented.

If all goes well for the Phillies this summer, they may face a tough decision. Suárez could be a prime candidate to shift to a high-leverage bullpen role later in the season if the team continues to have too many starting pitchers. He gained recognition as a closer in the summer of 2021 before transitioning to the rotation. His most memorable moment as a Phillie to date came in a Game 5 series-clinching win in the 2022 National League Championship Series, when he closed out the game as a reliever.

It would be fitting if his career with the Phillies concluded as it began, in the bullpen. To maximize his earning potential, staying in the rotation would be ideal, but another bullpen stint could help the team achieve its ultimate goal.

When asked if he would be willing to make the switch, Suárez smiled and replied, “Obviously, it’s got to depend on the context. That’s a tough one. I would say that I want to be in the rotation all of the time. I want to be a starter all of the time, but if it’s for the team’s sake, if it’s to win something, if it’s to get the World Series, I’m willing to do anything.”