The Philadelphia Phillies are relieved as Cristopher Sánchez, a key left-hander in their rotation, will not be placed on the injured list following a recent scare with forearm soreness. After throwing 58 pitches in just two innings on April 22, he had previously established himself with an impressive 3.42 ERA and a strong strikeout rate this season.

Sánchez's absence from the injured list is a positive development for the Phillies, who have been on a roll, winning their last 11 games he started. He will take the mound against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night, looking to continue his stellar performance from last season when he made his first All-Star Game appearance.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set to enhance their momentum as they prepare for a three-game series against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Riding a two-game win streak, the Phillies will hand the ball to ace Zach Wheeler, while the Nationals counter with MacKenzie Gore. The NL East is heating up with the Phillies striving to close the gap behind the division-leading New York Mets.

Manager Rob Thomson addressed concerns regarding the pitching rotation, particularly focusing on Ranger Suárez. The lefty has been nursing a back injury, sidelining him since spring training. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session soon, which will dictate whether he needs a rehab start or is ready to return to action. Given his strong performance last season, where he earned All-Star selection and a solid ERA of 3.46, his return could be pivotal for the Phillies as they seek to bolster their pitching staff.

Jesús Luzardo is making a significant impact with the Philadelphia Phillies, demonstrating exceptional performance early in the 2025 season. After joining from the Miami Marlins, he has outstripped his previous standards. Over six innings against the Chicago Cubs, he struck out five batters and allowed only three hits, resulting in an impressive ERA of 1.73, placing him among the league's top starters.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson praises Luzardo's competitive spirit, noting his transformation from a friendly player to a fierce competitor once on the mound. Having previously faced challenges, including an ERA of 5.00 last season, Luzardo has rebounded magnificently, showcasing improved velocity and pitch command. Consistency and health will be crucial as he aims for a potential long-term deal with the Phillies if he maintains this high level of play throughout the season.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 3, injuries have begun to take a toll on fantasy lineups, particularly among key pitchers. Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates is dealing with a right elbow UCL sprain, raising concerns about his return, with the best-case scenario nudging toward the All-Star Break. Meanwhile, Ryan Weathers of the Miami Marlins is recovering from a left flexor strain, showing promising recovery signs and potentially returning by mid to late May. Lastly, Ranger Suárez of the Philadelphia Phillies is set to kick off his rehab assignment, making him the most likely of the three to return soon, boasting an impressive track record from last season.