Big developments are unfolding in the Phillies’ pitching rotation, which has been impressive so far even without a full roster.

Ranger Suárez, who has been recovering from a back injury, was originally scheduled to throw a simulated game on Thursday. However, he’s feeling strong enough to skip that step and will instead begin a rehab assignment that same day in Clearwater. He’s set to pitch three innings, provided his pitch count remains manageable.

Meanwhile, top prospect Andrew Painter is set to make his long-awaited return on Friday, also in Clearwater. He’s expected to throw two innings and around 35 pitches as he begins a gradual reintroduction to consistent game action. The Phillies plan to keep him in the minors for the first half of the season, allowing him to rebuild stamina and limit innings early in the year with the goal of contributing to the big league team after the All-Star break.

Suárez only logged five innings in Grapefruit League games this spring, plus one brief appearance on the back fields, so he’ll require several starts before he’s ready to rejoin the Phillies. Rehab assignments for pitchers can last up to 30 days, and his officially begins Thursday.

In the meantime, Taijuan Walker is temporarily taking Suárez’s spot in the rotation. After a tough 2024 season, Walker delivered an encouraging performance in his season debut, allowing just four baserunners over six shutout innings in a win over the Rockies. His next test will be tougher — he’s scheduled to face the Braves at Truist Park on Wednesday night.

Sosa Starts in Left Field
Edmundo Sosa made his first career start in the outfield Tuesday night, manning left field against Braves southpaw Chris Sale.

Sosa has been red-hot to start the season, going 11-for-20 (.550), and the Phillies are looking for creative ways to keep his bat in the lineup. He played a good amount of left field during spring training and even logged an inning in center field last Saturday after pinch-hitting for Brandon Marsh.

His newfound versatility could prove valuable over the course of the season. For instance, when Sosa stayed in to play center Saturday, it allowed manager Rob Thomson to preserve Johan Rojas as a potential pinch-runner for key hitters later in the game. While it didn’t come into play that day, that kind of flexibility could make a difference during the long 162-game season.