Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Phillies received concerning injury news about veteran reliever Matt Strahm. Strahm was reportedly dealing with an impingement in his left shoulder, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
Zolecki added that the All-Star reliever’s MRI revealed no structural damage, which was good news for the Phillies. However, Strahm wouldn’t throw until at least Thursday, where the Phillies medical team can check him out.
On Thursday, Phillies manager Rob Thomson had another update on the veteran pitcher’s status as the team continues the Spring Training circuit. According to Zolecki, Thomson said Strahm will be evaluated again on Saturday, but he’s feeling better.
Matt Strahm (left shoulder) will be evaluated again on Saturday. He is feeling better, Rob Thomson said. Thomson said Nick Castellanos is ill, which is why he didn't play today. He hasn't played since Sunday, but like most veterans he didn't go to Ft. Myers earlier this week.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 13, 2025
When Thomson spoke about Strahm’s injury last weekend, he said the reliever has "a little bit of a sore shoulder", per Paul Casella of MLB.com. However, Thomson did not sound overly concerned about the veteran.
In only his second season with the club, the 33-year-old pitcher was one of the best relievers in baseball. Strahm had a 6-2 record and 1.87 ERA across 66 appearances. He also racked up 79 strikeouts in 66.2 innings pitched and only gave up four home runs.
Strahm’s performance during the first half of the regular season caught the attention of others from around the majors and was named to his first All-Star game. His ERA in the first half of the regular season was 1.49 in 39 appearances.
Nonetheless, the Phillies hope Strahm’s next evaluation goes well as he’s an integral part of their bullpen. Right-handed hitters hated facing the southpaw last season when he touched the mound. The veteran pitcher held righties to a .133 batting average at the plate.
The bad news for opposing hitters is Strahm isn’t the only tough pitcher in the Phillies’ bullpen. Philadelphia also has Tanner Banks, Jose Ruiz, Jose Alvardo, Orion Kerkering, and Jordan Romano, who can all get outs in the late innings.