Suárez required 104 pitches to finish five innings against the Brewers, posting 16 two-strike counts alongside just five ​strikeouts, struggling to close out Milwaukee’s hitters.

Initially, he retired seven of the first nine batters he encountered. However,‍ Milwaukee managed to score ​two ⁤runs in the‍ third inning ⁤and added one more in ⁤the fourth. This performance mirrors a pattern observed over the five outings ⁢since Suárez rejoined the roster from the injured list. ⁤In the first turn through the lineup, he has limited hitters⁣ to a ‌.220/.273/.415 line. Yet, when faced with him a second time, those figures escalate to .350/.413/.450.

“I think the stuff is a little bit down,” Thomson remarked. “I do. That doesn’t mean it won’t come back, and I believe it will. After all, this is only his third rehab start. So I am confident he will improve.”

Thomson continues to characterize these outings as rehab starts for Suárez, who disagreed. “No, I’m not calling it that,” Suárez ​responded. “There’s a reason I didn’t go on the rehab assignment, and that’s because I didn’t need it.” This approach reflects the manager’s intent to shield Suárez ‍while avoiding direct criticism.

Since May 26, Suárez had⁢ not thrown 100‌ pitches in a single game. His 13 swings-and-misses during this outing marked ​his highest total since July 6.

“Obviously, I feel good right now,” Suárez acknowledged. “I can’t complain. Physically, I feel great; throwing 104 pitches tonight speaks ‍volumes.”

If Suárez takes the‍ mound for Game 4 ⁤of the National League Division Series, the Phillies might again turn to their bullpen with more confidence.‍ An off day would precede a potential Game 5, ⁣which means leaning ‌heavily on their bullpen this ⁢October, as they have in past postseasons. If there are uncertainties about Suárez facing an opposing lineup​ a second time, it would elevate ⁤the importance of the sixth⁣ and seventh relievers—José Ruiz and Tanner Banks—on the⁤ current depth⁣ chart.

Ruiz has shown improvement over ⁣the last two months,‍ earning ⁤Thomson’s trust, particularly when he ⁢was called upon in the ninth inning of a tie game over the weekend.⁢ Conversely, Banks, who hadn’t pitched for five ​days, allowed a run and three stolen bases in his inning on Monday night.⁣ Since joining the Phillies in a trade this July, Banks⁢ has seen nine stolen bases against him.

“We⁤ still ‍have some work to do there,” Thomson commented.

The magic number for clinching the‌ National League East stands at five. The​ Phillies hold a three-game lead over Milwaukee for a first-round bye. Winning ⁤one of ⁢their next two games at American Family Field is essential to secure the tiebreaker, effectively extending their lead over the Brewers.

This​ is crucial.

With Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola scheduled to pitch in the upcoming two nights, the Phillies are optimistic ⁤about their chances.‍ As the team arrived at the visiting clubhouse Monday afternoon, a few players noticed the rolled-up plastic installed above the lockers and TVs.

However, there will be no celebration of a division title here. The earliest the Phillies⁤ can clinch is⁢ Thursday in New York. It’s​ a question of when—not if.

Suárez’s ​return to form is a different matter. If he regains his full capability, the path forward becomes clearer, but that outcome is not assured.

(Top photo of Ranger Suárez after falling while trying to field a bunt in the fourth inning: Michael McLoone / Imagn Images)