The Philadelphia Phillies have had an uneventful Spring Training but the fifth spot in the rotation has become an unexpected battle.
Jesús Luzardo was expected to fill the role after he was acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins last winter but his struggles in Grapefruit League play have put that into question. His poor performance has opened the door for Taijuan Walker, who is on the bubble with no minor league options remaining.
It puts Phillies manager Rob Thomson in a tough spot when constructing his Opening Day roster but he told reporters last week that these problems have a way of working themselves out. That may have happened on Monday when an injury in the bullpen may have solved Philadelphia’s problem.
Matt Strahm’s Injury Helps Taijuan Walker’s Bid For Opening Day Roster
The news came down when Paul Casella and Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that Matt Strahm is dealing with a shoulder injury. Zolecki said that the left-hander is dealing with an impingement in his left shoulder that has caused inflammation but an MRI revealed no structural damage.
Casella reported that Thomson doesn’t have any concern, but Zolecki added that Strahm won’t throw until at least Thursday, casting doubt on his status for Opening Day.
Matt Strahm said an impingement in his left shoulder has caused inflammation, but an MRI exam revealed no structural damage. He will not throw until at least Thursday when team doctor takes a look.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 10, 2025
Can’t say if he’ll be ready by Opening Day or not. Wants to be smart about it.
Matt Strahm has a "little bit of a sore shoulder."
— Paul Casella (@Paul_CasellaMLB) March 9, 2025
He hasn't pitched since Wednesday, when his velo was down a bit and he allowed 4 runs in 2/3 IP -- but Rob Thomson said tests were clean and there's no concern.
"Nothing wrong; we're just going to back him off for a few days."
While the Phillies would like to have one of their top relievers to begin the year, it comes as a benefit. Luzardo hasn’t looked great in Spring Training allowing six earned runs over four innings in his first two starts and included back-to-back-to-back home runs on consecutive pitches during Wednesday’s loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Coming off a season where he went 3-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 12 starts, Luzardo would be a candidate to begin the year in the minors if this were a normal situation. But the Phillies gave up two prospects to acquire Luzardo including shortstop Starylyn Calba, who at the time of the trade was Philadelphia’s No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
Of course, the Phillies made the trade because Walker struggled in 2024. The right-hander posted a 3-7 record and a 7.10 ERA in 19 games for Philadelphia and struggled with his velocity last season. After averaging 91.2 mph on his fastball last season, he used a weighted ball program over the offseason and flirted with 94 mph in his spring debut before averaging 92.4 mph in Saturday’s start against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Nobody will ever complain about depth in the starting rotation. But Walker is in the third year of a four-year, $72 million contract and doesn’t have a minor league option. It put his future in Philadelphia in doubt entering camp but now appears to be a little brighter after Strahm’s injury.
Of course, the Phillies could add another bullpen arm to offset a prolonged absence. But keeping Walker around could have its benefits and provide insurance if Luzardo continues to struggle.