Jul 6, 2024; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It's going to be a big week for the Single-A Clearwater Threshers.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Ranger Suárez is going to begin a rehab stint with the Threshers on Thursday:
Ranger Suárez (back) has progressed well, so he’s starting a minor-league rehab. Will pitch three innings Thursday for Low-A Clearwater.
Suárez (low back stiffness) has opened the season on the injured list, the third time in the past four years he's landed on the IL with a back-related ailment. The former All-Star will presumably need multiple rehab outings to build up his pitch count before he's able to return to the Phillies. In the meantime, Taijuan Walker is filling what would be Suárez's spot in the rotation. Walker will pitch Wednesday in Atlanta after tossing six shutout innings in last Thursday's win over the Colorado Rockies.
As for the Threshers, Weston Wilson (left oblique strain) is beginning his rehab stint with the Single-A club this evening, as expected. He'll hit second and play left field Tuesday:
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He's hitting between two of the most important prospects in the Phillies organization. Center fielder Dante Nori, last year's first-round pick, is leading off. Catcher Eduardo Tait — the No. 3 prospect in the organization, per Phillies Nation's Ty Daubert — is hitting behind Wilson.
Of course, manager Rob Thomson revealed Sunday that the top prospect in the organization, RHP Andrew Painter, will pitch for Clearwater on Friday. It will be his first start for a Phillies affiliate since the 2022 season as he returns from Tommy John surgery. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com obtained some details before Tuesday's game against the Braves about the workload that Painter will be on:
Andrew Painter will throw two innings/35 pitches on Friday with Class A Clearwater.
The Phillies are going to be cautious as they build up Painter. They've said all along that they expect the 21-year-old to make his MLB debut around July, leaving wiggle room that it could come in June or August.
