Red Sox fans will get their first look at the team’s new $130 million arm on Monday at 8:10 p.m. ET, when Ranger Suarez takes the mound against the Astros at Daikin Park on MLB.TV.
Boston signed the left-hander to a five-year deal in January, adding another All-Star pitcher to its rotation after previously trading for Sonny Gray in November.
Gray made his Red Sox debut on Saturday against the Reds in Cincinnati, allowing four runs (three earned) over four innings in a game Boston lost 6-5 in 11 innings.
Now, it’s Suarez’s turn. Before joining the Red Sox, the 30-year-old had spent his entire career with the Phillies, appearing in parts of eight seasons with the club -- the last four as a full-time starter.
Going into the offseason, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made it clear one of Boston’s priorities was adding a starter the team could slot behind ace Garrett Crochet in a potential postseason series. If things go according to plan, Suarez could be that guy.
Suarez posted a 3.59 ERA and a 117 ERA+ over 104 starts from 2022-25, earning his first All-Star selection in 2024. He also owns a lifetime 1.48 ERA over 42 2/3 innings in the postseason.
But October is a ways away. For now, Suarez will be looking to make a good first impression with his new team and help Boston avoid a 1-3 start to the 2026 campaign.