Phillies activate Ranger Suárez and Cristian Pache as roster expands to 28
Suárez is expected to start Sunday in Milwaukee. Reserve outfielder Pache could receive playing time against left-handed pitchers.
MILWAUKEE — As major league rosters expand, the Phillies are emptying their injured list.
Left-hander Ranger Suárez and reserve outfielder Cristian Pache were activated Friday, as expected, the Phillies announced, as teams are allowed to carry two extra players for a maximum of 28 for the final month of the season.
Suárez, who hasn’t pitched since Aug. 13 because of a strained right hamstring, is lined up to start Sunday in Milwaukee, according to manager Rob Thomson. He has a 3.88 ERA in 17 starts. After Suárez faces the Brewers, the Phillies intend to use a six-man rotation at least through a Sept. 11 doubleheader at home against the Braves.
Pache figures to be used primarily for defense and pinch-running. But Thomson said he could receive playing time against left-handed pitchers in an alignment that would place him next to center fielder Johan Rojas in a defensively gifted outfield.
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The Phillies were giving Pache more at-bats before the All-Star break when he had surgery on July 17 to remove a screw that irritated his right elbow. In his absence, Rojas got called up from double-A Reading and saved 11 runs in August to lead the majors, according to Sports Info Solutions. He also has batted .289/.330/.402 with seven stolen bases in eight attempts.
Rojas and Pache have similar skill sets as right-handed hitters and elite defenders. But the expanded roster enables the Phillies to carry both without much concern for redundancy.
Pache is batting .327/.365/.592 with two homers in 53 plate appearances. He would have returned a few weeks ago if not for hip and knee soreness during his minor league assignment.