The Phillies might be without Matt Strahm to start the 2025 season as shoulder inflammation continues to sideline the All-Star reliever.
Strahm hasn’t pitched in a game since March 5, and Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber expects he’ll need an IL stint when the season opens. The left-hander is scheduled to throw from a bullpen mound on March 19, but it’s still unclear if he’ll appear in any spring training games before Opening Day.
“If the Phillies decide Strahm needs additional time, they could backdate his placement on the 15-day injured list to March 24, causing him to miss as few as nine games and be activated in time for an April 8-10 series in Atlanta,” Lauber wrote.
That timeline would have Strahm missing just over a week of regular season action. In his absence, the Phillies would need a short-term replacement from their bullpen depth.
“In that case, the Phillies would need a placeholder. Devin Sweet and Kyle Tyler are on the 40-man roster and have minor-league options… Prediction: Tyler. It’s the path of least resistance for a short-term need,” Lauber added.
Strahm, for his part, remains confident about his availability despite the lingering shoulder issue.
“I’ll be ready,” Strahm said, “but it’s up to them.”
The 32-year-old reliever is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign where he posted a 6-2 record with a 2.87 ERA across 66 appearances, including three saves. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection, solidifying his value in Philadelphia’s bullpen.
Strahm is set to earn $7.5 million this season, with the Phillies holding a club option for 2026. The team opens their season against the Washington Nationals on March 27.
