Phillies are season-high seven games over .500 and have a positive run differential for 1st time since April 12.
— Matt Breen ( @matt_breen ) September 25, 2021
The Mets have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
— Steve Gelbs ( @SteveGelbs ) September 25, 2021
Ranger Suarez has a 1.69 ERA in 11 starts since moving to the Phillies rotation on August 2.
— Matt Breen ( @matt_breen ) September 25, 2021
Since then, only two starters - Max Scherzer and Max Fried - have a lower ERA.
I think he's #2 in the rotation going into next year.
Nola shouldn't be counted on as a top starter until he shows he's past his funk - I think he's better than he's looked this year, but he hasn't averaged 6 IP per start since 2019. He may well be better served in a lesser role with the occasional 6 days between starts.
Ranger Suarez threw the #Phillies first nine-inning CG with fewer than 100 pitches since Zach Eflin (92 pitches) on 7/5/2016, against ATL. It was the #Phillies first nine-inning SHO with fewer than 100 pitches since Kyle Kendrick (94 pitches) on 5/26/2012, in St. Louis.
— Todd Zolecki ( @ToddZolecki ) September 25, 2021
It doesn't really matter who starts the second game or third game or fourth game, and they may also want to slot Ranger 2nd or 3rd simply for being a lefty. The main thing is they have four solid starters and if you are confident in Ranger, and in Eflin being back, you really only need another guy for depth (along with Falter and the inevitable AAAA options.
Or his emergence lets you consider trading Nola or Eflin, if it makes the team better in some other way.