Phillies LHP Ranger Suarez will start the season on the injured list, Rob Thomson said Sunday morning on the game broadcast.

Suarez is still dealing with back tightness, but Thomson did note that he won’t be on the IL long. He said today it’ll be “a couple of starts.” Taijuan Walker will be the 5th starter for the time being and start the 6th game of the year. Walker had a very good start to his spring, but got roughed up in his last outing against the Yankees.

The Phillies also optioned Michael Mercado to AAA, which is a good sign for Matt Strahm’s health:

Strahm has been dealing with shoulder inflammation for the last week. He threw on the side field Saturday and logged three strikeouts against a handful of Phillies minor-leaguers. If Strahm feels good Sunday, he’ll pitch in Monday’s spring training finale.

Additionally, the Phillies claimed Carlos Hernandez off of waivers from the Kansas City Royals. To make room for Hernandez on the 40-man roster, Tyler Phillips was designated for assignment.