Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez to start against namesake
There have been pitchers who have pitched against their namesakes before. For instance, Angel Miranda did face the Angels five times. Robbie Ray has faced the Tampa Bay Rays eight times in his career. Red Ruffing faced off against the Reds during the 1939 World Series. On Tuesday, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez is set to join that short list.
That is because the Phillies are set to continue facing the AL West as part of their interleague matchups. Their opponent on Tuesday just happens to be the Texas Rangers, lining Suarez up to take them on. To him, this is just a sign that the world, and 2022, are “crazy.”
Philadelphia Phillies hoping namesake opponent can spark Ranger Suarez
The Phillies have to hope that Suarez can find his groove again in this matchup. Just a year after being one of the biggest surprises in baseball, he has crashed back to reality, posting a 4.42 ERA and a 1.636 WHiP in his 18.1 innings, striking out just 12 batters with eight walks.
The Phillies also have to hope that Suarez will perform the way those other pitchers have against their namesakes. Ruffing allowed just one run on four hits and a walk, striking out four in his only matchup against the Reds. Ray has a 2.77 ERA and a 1.048 WHiP in his 48.2 innings against the Rays. As for Miranda and the Angels…we’ll just leave that one out.
It is also a start that the Phillies need to see something from. Their pitching staff has struggled as a whole to start the season, as their 4.41 ERA entering Friday ranked tenth in the National League. Suarez was supposed to be a key part of their rotation but has faltered as well.
If he is going to get right, the Rangers may be the perfect opponent. Despite their big acquisitions for the lineup during the offseason, they rank ninth in the American League in OPS. Suarez might be able to find his way during this outing.
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Ranger Suarez is set to face his namesake in the Rangers on Tuesday. The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping this will get him back on track.