As the Philadelphia Phillies kick off their season in Washington, D.C., one of their key starting pitchers remains in Florida at the team’s spring training facility. According to Lochlahh March of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ranger Suárez has been placed on the 15-day injured list to start the season and will continue his rehab in Clearwater. This marks the second consecutive year — and the third time in his career — that Suárez has dealt with a back issue. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday after being scratched from his final spring start last Friday. His last game action came on March 9.

Suárez was projected to be part of Philadelphia’s five-man starting rotation before this latest setback. In his absence, veteran Taijuan Walker is holding down his spot and will start Thursday against the Colorado Rockies. Last season, Suárez made 27 starts, recording a 3.52 ERA with 145 strikeouts over 150.2 innings. His strong first half earned him an All-Star nod as a replacement, but lingering back problems led to a disappointing and shortened second half.

Since transitioning from a bullpen role to a starter, Suárez has made 58 starts over the past three seasons.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson expects him to miss approximately three starts, emphasizing the importance of gradually building him back up to avoid further setbacks. The goal is to keep him healthy for the remainder of the season. If all goes according to plan, Suárez could return during the Chicago Cubs series at Wrigley Field from April 25-27.