CLEARWATER, Fla. — The last time Ranger Suárez suffered a back injury, it sidelined him for nearly a month in 2024. While he felt stiffness in the same part of his back on Sunday night, a day after pitching four innings in an intrasquad game, the Phillies lefthander doesn’t think it’s as severe this time.

The Phillies sent him Monday for imaging that revealed no structural issues, but this is an injury that forced Suárez to miss time in 2024.

Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez gives an update on his recovery from a back injury, how he's coping with it and more

Philadelphia has the fourth-best odds to win the 2025 World Series at +1100, and the third-best odds to win the NL at +650. Those are very risky wagers to consider when the Dodgers appear primed to take the NL pennant again, and Atlanta and Philadelphia will be right in that next tier with the Phillies.

Philadelphia Phillies veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto is in the final year of his contract, meaning the team may need to find a new future at the position.

The Phillies announced Thursday that they’ve optioned catcher Garrett Stubbs to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In doing so, they all but confirmed that switch-hitting Rafael Marchan will be their backup catcher.

It took Brandon Marsh three years, but he's finally the Philadelphia Phillies' everyday center fielder. On Thursday, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reported that the Phillies are planning to give Marsh more playing time to start the season.

The Philadelphia Phillies may not have to go without their All-Star Ranger Suarez sidelined for long. Phillies expect quick Ranger

The Phillies optioned Garrett Stubbs to Triple A Thursday, giving the backup catching job to start the season to Rafael Marchan.

"I'll just continue to try to find ways to help the organization win whatever way I can," the 31-year-old catcher said.