Ranger Suárez to Provide Relief in Phillies' Elimination Game 3

Ranger Suárez is set to be available in relief for the Philadelphia Phillies in their must-win NLDS Game 3 against the Dodgers, following Aaron Nola's start. Suárez has been stellar in the postseason, posting a 1.43 ERA in 37 ⅔ innings with 40 strikeouts across eight starts and two relief outings. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed Suárez will pitch, emphasizing his trust in both Nola and Suárez. While Suárez has historically performed well, career numbers indicate Nola has been more effective against the current Dodgers lineup. Suárez is no stranger to pitching in relief, with a 2.87 ERA in 70 career appearances, though his last bullpen outing was in the 2022 World Series. His availability in relief could also help bridge the gap past the Phillies' struggling middle relief, which posted the fourth-highest ERA in the National League from innings six through eight during the regular season. Suárez had previously expressed openness to doing "whatever it takes to help this team win."