Strahm’s Shoulder Woes
Left-hander Matt Strahm, a critical component of the Phillies’ bullpen, is currently sidelined with a sore shoulder. Manager Rob Thomson revealed after Sunday’s 12-2 win over the Orioles that Strahm won’t be available for the next few days. Strahm’s spring has been less than stellar, with two outings that didn’t meet expectations. He gave up a two-run homer to Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe on February 27 and then allowed four runs in just two-thirds of an inning against the Tigers on Wednesday. His command has also been off, as he has already walked three batters, matching his total from last spring in seven appearances. More concerning, his fastball and sinker velocity have dropped by about three mph, from the 94 mph range to 90-92 mph. The team is hopeful that some rest will help Strahm, and the early part of the season is a good time to ease the load on a key player.
Strahm’s Role and Impact
Strahm has been a reliable workhorse for the Phillies, contributing significantly in both relief and starting roles. In 2023, he began the season as a starter due to necessity and finished with a total of 150⅓ innings across two seasons. His versatility and dependability have been invaluable, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the Phillies’ late-inning strategy alongside Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, and Jose Alvarado. Over the past two years, Strahm has maintained a 2.69 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP in 122 appearances, striking out nearly six times as many batters as he has walked. His ability to dominate both left-handed and right-handed batters has made him a versatile asset. Strahm’s consistent performance and durability have been a constant source of relief for the Phillies, who have not had to worry about his availability, as he has not landed on the injured list once since 2022.
The Importance of Health in Spring Training
Spring training is a crucial period for teams to assess their players and prepare for the regular season. However, the Phillies have been relatively fortunate in terms of injuries, with only Strahm’s sore shoulder and Weston Wilson’s Grade 2 oblique strain causing concern. Strahm’s downtime is seen as a necessary precaution to ensure he is fully healthy and ready for the season. The team’s cautious approach highlights the importance of making it through spring training without significant setbacks. Baseball is a grueling sport, and the long season can be unforgiving, so it is essential for players to start the year in optimal condition.
Injuries Mounting in the NL East
While the Phillies have managed to keep their injury list short, the same cannot be said for their NL East rivals. The New York Mets have faced a series of setbacks, with starting catcher Francisco Alvarez expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks due to a fractured left hand. This leaves the Mets with limited catching options, as Luis Torrens and non-roster invitees are now their primary choices behind the plate. Alvarez was a key player for the Mets in 2023, hitting 25 home runs and maintaining a .296 average with an .844 OPS before the All-Star break. His absence will be a significant blow to the team’s offensive capabilities. Additionally, Brandon Nimmo is out of the lineup with knee inflammation and received a gel injection over the weekend, while starting pitchers Sean Manaea (oblique strain) and Frankie Montas (lat strain) are also sidelined and will not be ready for the start of the season.
Braves’ Injury Challenges
The Atlanta Braves are also grappling with injuries, most notably to their starting catcher, Sean Murphy, who is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with a cracked left rib. Unlike the past two seasons, the Braves no longer have Travis d’Arnaud to step in, leaving them with limited options behind the plate. Adding to their woes, left fielder Jurickson Profar, a significant offseason addition, has a bone bruise in his left wrist from a sliding catch. The Braves signed Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract in January, and they are hoping he will be ready for Opening Day. These injuries are a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining health during spring training, as they can have a profound impact on a team’s performance and strategy.
The Broader Implications
Injuries are an inevitable part of baseball, and they can often be the difference between a successful season and a disappointing one. The Phillies are taking a cautious approach with Strahm, recognizing the value of his health and availability. Meanwhile, the injuries to key players in the NL East have the potential to shift the dynamics of the division. The Mets and Braves, two teams with high expectations, will need to find ways to compensate for their injuries and maintain their competitive edge. As the regular season approaches, the focus will remain on keeping players healthy and ready to perform at their best.
