Ranger Suarez will pitch for the Boston Red Sox against his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies, on May 23 for the first time since joining the Red Sox [1, 2]. Suarez signed a five-year, $130 million contract with Boston after rejecting a $22,025,000 qualifying offer from Philadelphia last November [1]. The Red Sox forfeited their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2026 amateur draft as compensation for signing Suarez [1].
Before a recent skipped start due to right hamstring tightness, Suarez had a 2-2 record with a 2.77 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in seven starts for Boston [1]. He expressed mixed emotions facing his old team, telling the Phillies' fans, "I love you guys. I miss you guys. See you soon." [1].
The Phillies enter the game with a 20-22 record but have improved to 11-3 under interim manager Don Mattingly after their previous manager was fired [2]. Andrew Painter will start for the Phillies. He holds a 1-4 record with a 6.89 ERA and 1.71 WHIP, struggling especially in road games [2].
Boston is 17-24 this season and is 7-7 since firing manager Alex Cora amid low run production [2]. Sonny Gray will start for the Red Sox. He holds a 3-1 record with a 3.54 ERA and 1.29 WHIP but rarely pitches beyond the sixth inning [2].
The May 23 game marks a key moment for Suarez playing against the Phillies for the first time since his high-profile signing. Suarez sat out a recent start in early May due to hamstring tightness but is expected to pitch as scheduled [1].
