Suarez may not be ready for Opening Day due to visa issues, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Suarez was excellent across multiple roles for the Phillies in 2021, and he spent part of the season as the team's closer. However, he ended the campaign in the rotation and completed at least six innings in six of his last eight appearances while posting an excellent 1.24 ERA in that span. Reputable Phillies prospect analyst Matt Winkelman attributed this report to Gelb, and if Suarez's absence does ultimately stretch into the regular season it will leave the Phillies with a shorthanded rotation as Zach Eflin (knee) is also likely to be sidelined to begin the campaign.