Philadelphia Phillies vs Arizona Diamondbacks Picks and Predictions May 4th 2025

Ranger Suárez Returns to Lead Phillies vs Diamondbacks in Series Finale

The Philadelphia Phillies are rolling. Winners of the first two games in their weekend set against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they now turn to a familiar face for the sweep: Ranger Suárez, who makes his highly anticipated 2025 season debut on Sunday after missing the first five weeks with a sore back.

The timing is ideal. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has been solid, but Suárez brings a layer of consistency, efficiency, and left-handed deception that could help carry the rotation as the summer grind begins.

With Sunday’s win, the Phillies could extend their winning streak to five games and send the Diamondbacks deeper into an early-season slump.

For up-to-date betting odds and rotation news, check out the MLB Odds Page.

Ranger Suárez: A Welcome Return

After four minor league rehab starts, Ranger Suárez is ready to return. The 29-year-old southpaw is coming off a breakout 2024 season where he went 12-8 with a 3.46 ERA, earned his first All-Star selection, and posted career highs in strikeouts (145) and innings.

He threw 80 pitches in his final rehab outing, and manager Rob Thomson said he’ll likely be allowed up to 90 pitches in Sunday’s game.

“He won’t be full,” Thomson noted, “but we’re confident in where he’s at.”

Suárez has also had prior success out of the bullpen, making him a potential swing piece later in the season. But for now, he’s clearly locked into the rotation.

“I want to be a starter all the time,” Suárez said. “But if it’s to win something, if it’s to get to the World Series, I’ll do anything.”

To explore deeper pitcher profiles and rotational projections, visit the MLB Team Page.

Diamondbacks Counter with Eduardo Rodriguez

Eduardo Rodriguez enters Sunday’s start reeling from a tough outing against the Mets, where he allowed eight earned runs on nine hits in just four innings. He recorded just one strikeout in 22 batters faced.

“I didn’t have anything working,” Rodriguez admitted. “It was one of those days where you just grind and hope for outs.”

Now 1-3 on the season with a 6.06 ERA, Rodriguez will need a reset — and fast. In his career, he’s 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three starts against the Phillies, which might offer some hope for a bounce-back outing.

Find pitching matchups and detailed splits on the MLB Pick Page.

Phillies Offense Finds Rhythm

The Phillies bats have come alive in this series. Kyle Schwarber, Max Kepler, and J.T. Realmuto all went deep in the first two games, with Kepler homering in back-to-back contests.

Saturday’s 7-2 win was anchored by Aaron Nola, who tossed six scoreless innings for his first win of the season. Offensively, the Phillies showed patience and power, working counts and capitalizing on Arizona’s mistakes.

“We did a lot of good things tonight,” Thomson said postgame.

Kepler’s emergence has been timely, and the Phillies’ depth across the lineup is starting to show. With the return of Suárez and a surging offense, this team is finally starting to click.

Stay on top of team trends and batting splits with the MLB Team Page.

Arizona’s Offensive Issues Continue

The Diamondbacks have only four runs in this series and have lost seven of their last 10 games. The lone offensive bright spot on Saturday was Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who hit a two-run homer.

But beyond that, manager Torey Lovullo is running out of answers.

“We’ve just got to get back to our approach,” Lovullo said. “Understand your role in the lineup. Know what the at-bat calls for. We’ve got to attack with better awareness.”

Arizona’s situational hitting has been inconsistent. Their strikeout rate is climbing, and their ability to manufacture runs — especially with two outs — has vanished in recent games.

You can explore team-level offensive analytics on the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

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Key Matchups to Watch

• Ranger Suárez vs. the D-backs lineup: It’s been eight months since Suárez pitched in a big league game. Will rust play a role?
• Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Phillies’ power bats: If Schwarber and Kepler stay hot, it could be another long day for Rodriguez.
• Phillies bullpen: If Suárez isn’t sharp or is pulled early, how will the relievers respond?
• Diamondbacks’ top of the order: Guys like Ketel Marte and Christian Walker need to get going early to ease pressure on the backend of the lineup.

For live betting updates, check out the MLB Odds Page.

What’s at Stake?

For Philadelphia, this is about momentum. They’ve won four straight and are trending in the right direction. Getting Ranger Suárez back and securing a sweep would be the kind of week that builds championship vibes.

For Arizona, this is damage control. A third straight loss would deepen their tailspin, especially with division matchups looming. They need a spark — either from Rodriguez or someone in the lineup — to avoid a sweep.

Follow every NL team’s movement and futures odds on the MLB Odds Page.

Final Prediction: Phillies Ride the Wave

If Ranger Suárez is anywhere near his 2024 form, the Phillies are in excellent shape to finish the sweep. Their offense has been dynamic, their bullpen rested, and their confidence high.

Arizona, meanwhile, is struggling at the plate and sending out a starter who was rocked in his last outing.

Expect Philadelphia to score early, protect the lead, and finish the job at home.

Prediction: Phillies 6, Diamondbacks 3

FAQs

Who is starting for the Phillies today?
Ranger Suárez makes his 2025 debut after missing five weeks with a back injury.

How has Eduardo Rodriguez fared vs. the Phillies?
He’s 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts.

What’s the Phillies’ record in this series?
They’ve won the first two games and are looking for a sweep.

Who hit home runs for Philadelphia this weekend?
Kyle Schwarber, Max Kepler, and J.T. Realmuto have all gone deep.

Why did Suárez miss the start of the season?
He was sidelined with a sore back and completed a four-start rehab assignment before being activated.

Where can I get game picks and player props?
Visit the MLB Pick Page and Expert Guide on ScoresAndStats.com for daily predictions.