When is Ranger Suarez coming back? Rob Thomson shares latest update on Phillies ace

Ranger Suarez has been out of the Philadelphia Phillies rotation since July 22. The hard-throwing lefty suffered lower back tightness that has taken some time to rehab.

However, Suarez could return to the hill as soon as this weekend. Manager Rob Thomson gave an update on the lefty, saying there's a "95% chance" he will be on the bump on Saturday, per MLB.com.

Thomson said that he threw a four-inning simulated game on Aug. 17 and that he "looked good." If he returns on Saturday, he would take the ball against the Kansas City Royals, which would surely test him.

Kansas City has been one of the surprise teams to come out this season. The team has been led by Bobby Witt Jr., who has put his name in contention to win the AL MVP Award.

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Phillies hoping to get a boost with Ranger Suarez returning

Philadelphia Phillies - Ranger Suarez (Photo via IMAGN)

While the Phillies hold the top spot in the National League East, they have some competition. The Atlanta Braves, despite injuries, have maintained striking distance in the division.

That's partly due to Philadelphia's inconsistencies following the All-Star break. They have flip-flopped from looking like a contending team to mediocre and back to a contender again.

Much of that could change when Ranger Suarez returns, as he was one of the top arms before hitting the injured list and was working as the team's ace.

He has made 20 starts this season, compiling a 10-5 record with a 2.87 ERA on 119.1 innings of work. He became an All-Star for the first time in his career and must sustain that success when he returns.

If he can, Philadelphia is going to be a much more fearsome squad to deal with the rest of the way out.