Not to mention, the Phillies just sent highly touted youngster Mick Abel, 23, back to the minors after a couple of rocky outings. Add in the fact that Wheeler is 35 and comes off the books after 2027, and that Sanchez’s contract also is due to expire after 2027, and suddenly the Phillies’ starting staff doesn’t seem so loaded after all.

Spencer Steer reached base four times, drove in two runs and scored twice as the visiting Cincinnati Reds topped the Philadelphia Phillies 9-6 in a Friday matinee.

Ranger Suárez could’ve thrown his signature sinker. Or a cutter. Even a four-seam fastball. Instead, he opted for another changeup — and still struck out Austin Hays. Suárez blew a kiss skyward as he walked to the dugout.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.