5-16-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X
Following a string season where Phillies starter Ranger Suarez posted a 3.46 ERA through 150.2 innings pitched, the limber lefty is looking to leap to another level.
A recurring lower back strain delayed his start to the season but after a rough first outing, Suarez displayed some of his dominant 2024 All-Star form as the 6’1 southpaw tossed 7 shutout frames against the Cleveland Guardians, striking out 5 with 1 walk and 3 hits.
Suarez works a fastball/changeup/curve pitching combo with an extremely rare slider.
As is typical for a lefty, he doesn’t throw especially hard. His fastballs consist of the sinker, 4-seam and cutter, ranging in velocity between 86-93 but he mostly finds success with his secondary offerings.
Pirates bats will want to target fastballs inside to drive. Opposing hitters hit .262 against Suarez fastballs last year and slugged .404. Given that fastballs comprise ~60% of his total pitch mix, it’s more likely than not that batters will be seeing a good mix of them.
Steel City Pirates 