Taijuan Walker

Suarez has been playing catch as he begins to ramp back up from his back injury, but he has yet to work up to bullpens, so his timeline is unclear at this time. Taijuan Walker will replace him in the rotation but should not be on fantasy radars.

Luzardo and Aaron Nola will follow ace Zack Wheeler to close out Philadelphia's season-opening series against the Nationals before Cristopher Sanchez draws an extremely favorable home matchup against the Rockies. Taijuan Walker will be skipped the first time through the rotation, but could wind up pitching in long relief, if needed. This group has a chance to be one of the best starting rotations in baseball and that's before the addition of top pitching prospect Andrew Painter, who is expected to be ready to roll around midseason. Look out.

Taijuan Walker will be the Phillies fifth starter.

Walker was showing some reason for a little optimism at the beginning of the spring, but his last two outings have really taken that away. His velocity has dropped back down a bit, and his control wasn't any good while walking three today. The Phillies will have him serve as their fifth starter while Ranger Suarez is sidelined, but he'll be on a short leash.

Phillies pitcher Ranger Su rez will open the season on the IL with lower back soreness, with Taijuan Walker sliding into the rotation to take his place.