Rob Thomson Explains Shortened Ranger Suárez Start, Hints at More Before All-Star Break

On Saturday, Ranger Suárez was dealing for the Philadelphia Phillies. The lefty struck out six Cincinnati Reds hitters through five innings, allowing only one run in the process.

Which is why it came as a bit of a surprise that Suárez - who was only at 80 pitches - didn't go back out for the top of the sixth.

The gamble paid off for Philly, as their bullpen held firm in the 5-1 victory. But it still left manager Rob Thomson having to explain his decision after the game.

"It was designed," Thomson said. "In June he had six starts, five of them seven innings, one of them six innings, all of them 94 pitches or more. So we went into today trying to pull back a little bit. He had an 85-pitch limit today."

Even after a poor first outing, Ranger Suárez has been Philadelphia's best starter this season, with a 1.99 ERA. Yet his second-half decline last season is causing Rob Thomson to be cautious this year.

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Thomson also acknowledged Suárez's injury history - one that derailed his All-Star campaign last summer - and said they'd limit his pitches again later in the year if need be. But it also sounds like Ranger isn't the only one who could be on a hard count this week.

When asked if other starters would face similar limits before the All-Star break, when they'd ideally have some time to rest, Thomson replied, "You'll know it when you see it."

The Phillies play seven more games before the break, starting with the series finale at home this afternoon. They also play three games in San Francisco Monday-Wednesday and San Diego Friday-Monday.

In that time, Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez are scheduled to pitch twice, while Taijuan Walker, Jesús Luzardo, and Suárez should each get one start.

With Mick Abel back down in the minors, Andrew Painter not expected up until after the break, and the injured Aaron Nola likely delayed even later than that, Thomson is looking to play it safe with his remaining arms.