Matt Strahm Dealing With Finger Injury, Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day
Matt Strahm (finger) was scheduled to pitch in the team's Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, but he was scratched du to left middle fingernail irritation after packing in the morning. The issue isn't believed to be serious, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, and Strahm is still expected to make the Opening Day roster. The 33-year-old veteran has also dealt with inflammation in his left shoulder this spring, which has limited him to only two spring training appearances. Despite the lack of action in Grapefruit League games due to his balky shoulder, that also isn't enough of a concern for the Phillies to keep him off the Opening Day roster. However, Strahm could see more rest between outings than usual to open the regular season. He made his first All-Star squad in 2024 and is the team's top high-leverage lefty arm out of the bullpen.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Philadelphia Phillies left-handed reliever Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Matt Strahm To Pitch On Saturday
Matt Strahm (shoulder) is scheduled to throw in a minor-league game on Saturday. If that goes well, Strahm would hopefully be cleared to pitch during Monday's spring training contest. The organization is hopeful that Strahm will be ready to go in time for Opening Day. The veteran southpaw is coming off an excellent season with the Phillies last season. He registered a 1.87 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and 79/11 K/BB ratio across 66 games with Philly. The 33-year-old is expected to immediately slide into high-leverage spots in the Phillies bullpen.
Source: Matt Gelb
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Source: Matt Gelb
Matt Strahm Will Be Evaluated Again On Saturday
Matt Strahm (shoulder) will be re-evaluated on Saturday. Manager Rob Thompson noted that he is feeling better. Strahm has been dealing with an impingement in his left shoulder and could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide clarity on his status after his evaluation on Saturday. Last season, the southpaw was one of the most reliable arms in the Philadelphia bullpen as he held a strong 1.87 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP across 62 2/3 innings. He tallied 79 punchouts and had elite control, serving up walks at a 4.6 percent rate. He tallied three saves and 18 holds. If Strahm were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado to be deployed primarily as the setup options.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Source: Todd Zolecki
Matt Strahm Dealing With Sore Shoulder
Matt Strahm (shoulder) is dealing with soreness in his shoulder. He has not taken the mound since Wednesday and his velocity was slightly down. The southpaw went for testing, the results came back clean. Manager Rob Thompson noted that there is "nothing wrong" and the team will give him a few days off. Last season, the 33-year-old was one of the top pieces in the Philadelphia bullpen. He tallied 18 holds and three saves operating as both an option in the eighth and ninth innings. Across 62 2/3 innings, the 33-year-old posted a 1.87 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP with 79 punchouts. Strahm generated a stellar 2.43 xERA (99th percentile) and a .188 xBA (96th percentile). When healthy, he will return to a high-leverage role, likely operating as the setup man for Jordan Romano.
Source: Paul Casella
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Source: Paul Casella
Matt Strahm Secures First Postseason Save
Matt Strahm was called upon to close the door on the division-rival Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Thursday night and he got the job done, pitching a scoreless and hitless inning with one strikeout for his first career postseason save. The Phillies used primary closer Craig Kimbrel in the eighth inning for the hold against the Braves best hitters. Strahm hasn't been great in his career in the playoffs dating back to 2020, but he's been excellent for the Phillies so far this year in three relief appearances, going 2 1/3 shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking one and striking out one. It's unlikely he'll be in line for another save chance the rest of the way as Philly heads into the NLCS against the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks.
Source: MLB.com
Philadelphia Phillies left-handed reliever Source: MLB.com
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