As the 2025 MLB regular season approaches, Philadelphia Phillies fans are continuing to wonder about left-handed reliever Matt Strahm's Opening Day status.
Strahm — who's set to enter his third season with the Phillies — has been sidelined with a shoulder injury throughout the last few weeks of spring training. With only less than a week to go before meaningful baseball action begins, Philadelphia fans are concerned that the veteran southpaw will have a delayed start to the upcoming campaign.
Unfortunately, Strahm's outlook remains murky following his latest injury update.
Phillies Injury News: Matt Strahm's Opening Day Status Remains Unclear
After throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday morning, Strahm spoke to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki about his outlook. Although Zolecki revealed that the Phillies reliever's shoulder has improved and he's "optimistic" about an Opening Day appearance, the final decision is "up to the medical staff."
Zolecki added that the 33-year-old hurler "doesn't want to risky anything" and should have a better idea of his status on Thursday.
Matt Strahm threw a bullpen session this morning. He said it went well. The real test will be tomorrow to see how his shoulder feels. Strahm is optimistic he could still be ready to pitch by Opening Day, but he said it's up to the medical staff. Doesn't want to risk anything.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 19, 2025
While players know their bodies better than anyone else, they can also be their worst enemy. It's great that Strahm feels like he could pitch on Opening Day, however, the Phillies will take every precaution possible to avoid a potential re-injury before letting him back on the mound.
The disappointment stemming from Strahm potentially missing Opening Day would be squashed if a delayed start helps him replicate last year's performance. The 6-foot-2 lefty was one of the National League's best relievers, going 6-2 with a 1.87 ERA, 0.750 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts across 62 2/3 innings in 66 appearances, resulting in his first-ever MLB All-Star nod.
Strahm also limited opposing batters to a .166 batting average with a .500 OPS last season, further illustrating his importance to the bullpen. Hopefully, his recovery continues to go well so that he can help contribute to a winning brand of baseball in Philadelphia.
In the meantime, the Phillies will continue their spring training slate, holding the fourth-best 2025 World Series odds (+1000) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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