Feb 20, 2025; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm (25) participates in media day at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck
Matt Strahm isn't going to pitch in Monday's Grapefruit League finale, but is still expected to be available out of the bullpen on Thursday when the Phillies face the Washington Nationals on Opening Day.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Strahm suffered an injury to the nail on his left middle finger Monday that the Phillies don't believe is serious, but will prevent him from facing the Tampa Bay Rays as had been previously planned:
Matt Strahm was supposed to pitch today, but he will not. The Phillies said he suffered a left middle fingernail injury while packing this morning. It is not believed to be serious. He'll still be on the roster.
Strahm has already had to deal with a left shoulder impingement that sidelined him for a portion of the spring. But he appeared to turn the corner from that more than a week ago, when he said "I think I'm ready now" after his first throwing session. Strahm hasn't appeared in a Grapefruit League game since March 5, but completed an inning against Toronto Blue Jays minor leaguers Saturday:
Three strikeouts for Matt Strahm against the Blue Jays minor leaguers this morning. Allowed one double. pic.twitter.com/u8NXEnii9I
The 33-year-old lefty is a key cog in the bullpen for the Phillies, as he was an All-Star last season. Strahm is coming off of a campaign where he posted a 1.87 ERA over 66 appearances for the Phillies.
