The likeliest candidate appeared to be Carlos Hernandez, the last man in the bullpen picked up by the Phillies the week of Opening Day. Hernandez has a 6.00 ERA and has put 22 men on base in 12 innings. He, like most of the Phillies’ bullpen, is out of minor-league options so he would have been exposed to waivers if removed from the active roster.

Suarez, whose achy but not breaky back has set him back since spring training, has finally been cleared to rejoin the club on an active basis, and is slated to start Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. With his season debut, Suarez becomes the Phillies’ sixth starter – by number, not status.

The final pitch that sent the Phillies to the 2022 World Series was thrown by Ranger Suárez. As far as bullpen scenarios go, it doesn’t get much more high-leverage than that: a one-run lead over San Diego in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.