Phillies

Rob Thomson Provides Updates on Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Andrew Painter, and More

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Apr 29th, 2025 · 5:07 PM EDT

---

Rob Thomson gave a boatload of updates ahead of Tuesday night’s series opener with the Washington Nationals:

Some big updates from Rob Thomson:

Andrew Painter will throw 4/60 on Thursday with the Iron Pigs in Triple-A.

Cristopher Sanchez will start tomorrow. Walker will start Thursday.

Ranger Suarez will throw a bullpen tomorrow, that will determine if he needs 1 more rehab start. pic.twitter.com/zgo4ieMrLC

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) April 29, 2025

Andrew Painter

Thomson originally said that Painter would start this Thursday in Lehigh Valley, but he wasn’t 100% sure when he said that.

A report a few minutes later from both Todd Zolecki and Matt Gelb said that Painter will not be heading to AAA just yet, but will be staying in Clearwater:

Andrew Painter’s next minor-league start is Thursday. He is remaining with Low-A Clearwater and will pitch four innings. Phillies could move him north in May to a higher-level affiliate.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) April 29, 2025

What’s important is that Painter is working up to four innings or 60 pitches. Thomson said that the timeline still hasn’t changed for Painter, but he is on track and they haven’t seen anything of concern so far.

Ranger Suarez

Suarez will throw a bullpen Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park, which will determine his next step. It’s seemed like the Phillies wanted him to throw one more rehab start, but Thomson said they’re still deciding.

If Wednesday’s bullpen goes according to plan, maybe he’s back with the team after that.

Cristopher Sanchez and the rotation

Sanchez is healthy and will start Wednesday.

Taijuan Walker will go on Thursday. Thomson didn’t commit to Jesus Luzardo throwing on Friday.

Brandon Marsh

Marsh was seeing the doctor pregame and worked out earlier Tuesday. If he’s cleared, the Phillies will send him back out for another rehab assignment, which he noted shouldn’t be a long one. Marsh cramped up in Lehigh Valley on Sunday, and the Phillies are being cautious.