Matt Strahm’s road to the 2023 season faced hurdles due to a shoulder impingement and bone bruise that impacted his fastball velocity, which dropped from an average of 93.6 mph the previous year to just above 91 mph in spring training. Despite this, he made a surprising return for the Phillies’ season opener on March 27 in Washington D.C., delivering a scoreless inning to help secure a win.
Initially, Strahm showcased signs of improvement, going undetected on the scoreboard until his eighth appearance. However, his performance has declined recently, with six earned runs allowed in just over 9⅓ innings, contributing to a worrying .341 average against him. This is a departure from the reliable and impactful pitcher the Phillies had come to rely on, especially after his notable All-Star season in 2022.
In a notable matchup against the Cardinals, which the Phillies lost 3-2, Strahm faced challenges when a misplaced fastball allowed Masyn Winn to hit a homer, marking a decisive moment in the game. Strahm acknowledged feeling out of sorts this season, mentioning the unusual spring training he experienced, but understands the urgency of improving his performance.
Despite the recent setbacks, he retains a respectable ERA of 3.24 and has managed to achieve outs even when not at his best. However, the Phillies’ bullpen struggles are more pronounced when compared to other relievers like Orion Kerkering. Manager Rob Thomson noted Strahm’s velocity concerns and one pivotal pitch that led to a home run, emphasizing the need for collective performance from the bullpen to support the starting rotation.
The Phillies are currently 24-17, having recently enjoyed a streak of five consecutive series victories. However, the team has been over-reliant on their starting pitchers and closer Jose Alvarado, necessitating dependability from the rest of the bullpen as they aim for a strong October showing.
The Phillies’ recent losses against the Cardinals highlighted offensive shortcomings as well, managing only two runs from nine hits and struggling with runners in scoring position. They have yet to hit a home run in their matchups against the Cardinals this season. Going forward, they will need to adjust to counter the challenges presented by the Cardinals’ pitching depth and effective game strategy, as they prepare to face their ace, Sonny Gray.
This situation represents a pivotal moment for Strahm and the Phillies as they seek to rectify inconsistencies and reinforce their bullpen for a successful season ahead. As the team rallies to find their rhythm, fans can remain optimistic about Strahm’s potential return to form and the overall performance improvement in the months leading to October.