Bryce Harper is talking as if the Phillies are going to the postseason.
He’s also talking as if he’s the president of the Ranger Suarez fan club.
“When we get into the postseason, he’s going to be a big, big player for us because of the way he knows how to pitch and his demeanor on the mound,” Harper said after Thursday’s 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park.
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“He could be one of the reasons why we win it.”
Suarez has made three starts since transitioning from closer to starter. The Phillies have won all of them, including Thursday’s. The left-hander, who turns 26 in two weeks, pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed just one run.
In three starts, Suarez has pitched 10 innings and allowed just that one run.
Suarez was groomed as a starting pitcher in the minors but spent this season working out of the bullpen. The Phillies are being careful as they work him into the role. He was pulled after 82 pitches Thursday. He will be ready to get over 90 in his next start and perhaps qualify for a win. Archie Bradley, who headlined an excellent effort by the bullpen with two scoreless innings, got the win Thursday.
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Suarez is a favorite of teammates for his unassuming way and willingness to contribute in any role. Before moving into the rotation, he served as a long reliever and, by necessity, closer. He succeeded in both roles and now he’s succeeding in the place he wants to be – the rotation.
Harper loves the guy.
“I just ran into him in the hallway coming from the trainer’s room and I told him that it’s incredible to watch him pitch,” Harper said after Thursday’s win.
“In every single role that he’s been in for us, he’s done an incredible job. It’s very hard to go from reliever to long reliever to closer and back into starting within the first couple years of your big-league career. For him to be able to do that, the emotion he shows on the mound, the no heartbeat I would say. The situation is never too big for him. He goes out there, gets the ball, throws strikes, and doesn't walk anybody.
“I love the way he goes out there. I love his demeanor. He’s one of our five (starters) and he should be for however many years we have him. He does the job every single day and it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
The acquisition of closer Ian Kennedy allowed the Phillies to move Suarez to the rotation.
Kennedy had an eventful outing Thursday, but it ended well.
The Phillies open a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. Here are the pitching matchups:
Friday night — RHP Zack Wheeler (10-6. 2.45) vs. RHP Tyler Mahle (9-3, 3.78)
Saturday afternoon — LHP Matt Moore (1-3, 6.79) vs. RHP Luis Castillo (6-11, 4.53)
Sunday afternoon — RHP Aaron Nola (7-6, 4.35) vs. RHP Sonny Gray (4-6, 4.40)
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