Phillies turn to rusty starter in Game 4 of NLDS

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson is going with Ranger Suarez to start Game 4 in the best-of-five National League Division Series on Wednesday.

The decision, reported by John Clark of NBCSPhilly on X, could be problematic for the Phillies, who trail the Mets 2-1 in the series.

Suarez had an up-and-down season, spending time on the injured list with hand and lower back injuries. He went 12-8 with a 3.46 ERA, 145 strikeouts and a 1.201 WHIP.

On June 1 in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, Suarez suffered a left hand contusion when he was struck by a 106.1 mph line drive off the bat of left fielder Alec Burleson. Suarez did not return for the rest of the game. On July 27, a lower back injury sent Suarez to the 15-day IL.

Suarez, who started the season 9-1 and earned his first NL All-Star selection, returned Aug. 24 against the Kansas City Royals.

Per Lochlahn March of the Philadelphia Inquirer , Suarez has refined his mechanics and delivery in the 11 days since his last appearance.

"Velocity was back up,” Thomson said, per the Inquirer. “The command was really good. Haven’t seen the command like that since he’s come back from the injury."

The only other option the Phillies have is a bullpen game. However, the bullpen has not pitched well during the NLDS, leaving Suarez as the best option.

Suarez will start in New York against Mets pitcher Jose Quintana in a potential series-clinching game.