Ranger Suarez may be missing piece for Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have desperately needed a third arm to pair with their duo of Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. The expectation was that the Phillies would be active in free agency in an attempt to find that third arm, helping to strengthen a rotation that has been very top heavy over the past couple of years.

As it turns out, the Phillies may have had that pitcher they needed all along. Ranger Suarez had spent his major league career as a reliever before being pressed into the rotation following the trade deadline. That decision has served both Suarez and the Phillies well.

Ranger Suarez could be the missing piece in Philadelphia Phillies rotation

Since entering the rotation, Suarez has posted an impressive 1.69 ERA and a 1.091 WHiP over his 58.2 innings, striking out 56 batters with just 18 walks. His ability to keep the ball in the yard has been even more impressive, as he has allowed just one homer in that time.

Suarez will not be that pitcher over an entire year in the rotation. While his ability to generate ground balls at an impressive rate will make a tremendous difference in his home run rate, it is just a matter of Suarez reverting back to his norms.

That does not mean that he cannot be a key part of the rotation. That ability to generate ground balls and solid command could make him a strong middle of the rotation arm. As he spends more time as a starter, he could develop into a dependable innings eater, someone that can provide six or seven solid innings almost every time he takes the mound.

The Phillies need someone that fits that exact profile. They had attempted to bring that type of pitcher in with Jake Arrieta, only to watch him struggle over his final two seasons. Suarez could be that pitcher, and if his ability to keep the ball in the yard continues, he could be a lot more as well.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been desperately searching for a solid third starter. They may have had that arm all along with Ranger Suarez.