As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to navigate the early part of the 2025 season, a few key names are working their way back from injury. Here’s a look at the latest updates from the team’s rehab assignments, featuring encouraging signs from the rotation and potential bench depth returning soon.
Gifted Ranger Begins Rehab Assignment
The beloved left-hander, currently on the 15-day injured list with lower back stiffness, began a rehab assignment on Thursday, April 10, with Single-A Clearwater. The 28-year-old southpaw threw three scoreless innings, tallying four strikeouts in a sharp, efficient outing.
The Ranger has previously dealt with back issues and was replaced in the Phillies’ rotation by Taijuan Walker in the short term. However, the initial reports on his outing are positive. According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, he reported feeling good the following day and is scheduled to pitch four innings in his next outing, followed by a five-inning appearance as he ramps back up.
Ranger Suárez’s return would be a welcome boost to a rotation that has shown promise but remains thin due to injuries. The Phillies will continue to evaluate his progress over the next two starts before determining a return date to the major league roster.
Top Prospect Andrew Painter Shows Velocity in Season Debut
Highly touted pitching prospect Andrew Painter took a major step forward in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, making his first start of the 2025 season for Single-A Clearwater on Friday, April 11. While the results on paper were mixed—Painter allowed two earned runs on two hits over 1 1/3 innings—his velocity and pitch mix were encouraging.
Painter threw 37 pitches, including 23 fastballs, regularly sitting just over 98 mph and touching 100 mph on the radar gun. He struck out three batters and walked one in the brief outing, flashing the dominant stuff that made him one of the most exciting young arms in baseball prior to his elbow injury.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has previously suggested Painter could make his big-league debut around July, assuming his recovery continues on schedule. For now, the Phillies plan to have him pitch once per week as he builds up arm strength.
Weston Wilson Nears Return from Oblique Injury
Utility man Weston Wilson is set to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday, April 8, also with Single-A Clearwater, as he works back from a left oblique strain that sidelined him late in spring training.
Wilson, who offers versatility across both the infield and outfield, was a strong candidate to break camp with the Phillies as a right-handed bench bat. With the major league club currently leaning left-handed, Wilson’s return could help balance out the lineup and provide valuable depth.
Position players are eligible for up to 20 days of rehab assignment, and if Wilson completes the stint without setbacks, he could either rejoin the Phillies or be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley depending on roster needs.
Final Thoughts
The Phillies’ injury news brings cautious optimism. Suárez is progressing steadily and could be back in the rotation within a couple of weeks. Painter, despite a long layoff, is already showing elite velocity and could become a key contributor later this summer. Meanwhile, Wilson’s return adds depth and flexibility to a bench that could use reinforcements.
With strong performances in the coming weeks, each of these players could play a pivotal role as the Phillies aim to contend in what’s shaping up to be a competitive National League race.
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