Ranger Suárez dealing with forearm tightness

An injury will keep Ranger Suárez away from the World Baseball Classic.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that the Phillies lefty is dealing with forearm tightness. Zolecki added that the Phillies believe it is a minor injury and that it will push him back a few days. He’s back in Clearwater getting treatment.

Suárez told reporters, including Alex Coffey of the Inquirer, that he thinks he’ll be ready for the start of the season.

Suárez pitched 1 2/3 innings for Venezuela in an exhibition against the Houston Astros on Wednesday. He did not appear in a Grapefruit League game before departing for the tournament, but he did reportedly throw a simulated game on the backfields last week.

Suárez spent 13 days on the injured list last season with back spasms. He’ll presumably open the season as the club’s No. 3 starter if healthy.

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