Phillies reinstate Ranger Suarez from IL to start vs. Royals

The Philadelphia Phillies activated left-hander Ranger Suarez from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday's game against the host Kansas City Royals.

Suarez was placed on the injured list on July 27 due to lower-back soreness.

Suarez, 28, earned his first All-Star appearance amid what has so far been a career season. The lefty is 10-5 with a 2.87 ERA over 20 starts for the National League East-leading Phillies.

After a 10-1 start, however, Suarez lost four of his next seven starts, including the three most recent. His ERA rose from 1.81 to 2.87 in that span.

Suarez has yet to face the Royals in his career. He will take the roster spot made available after the Phillies demoted left-hander Tyler Gilbert to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Friday's 7-4 loss to the Royals.

Gilbert, 30, made this season's only major league appearance on Friday, allowing a run in two relief innings behind starter Taijuan Walker.

--Field Level Media