Philadelphia Phillies Reveal Role For Newly Signed Versatile Pitcher

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson has recently confirmed plans to utilize relief pitcher Matt Strahm in a multi-inning role as the season begins.

Originally expected to serve as a setup man after signing a two-year, $15 million contract during the offseason, Strahm's role has now shifted to handling multiple innings from the bullpen.

Rob Thomson mentioned the other day that the #Phillies would stretch out Matt Strahm as a multi-inning reliever. Strahm will start the road half of Friday’s split-squad vs. the Blue Jays. Phils want to get him to three innings by end of spring training, according to Thomson.

— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) March 16, 2023

Thomson informed Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer that Strahm, who is starting Friday's spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays, will be built up to pitch three innings by the end of spring training.

With prior experience as a starter, including 16 starts for the San Diego Padres in 2019, Strahm appears well-suited for this new role.  

Matt Strahm will start a split squad Friday vs. TOR in Dunedin. He will pitch two innings. Rob Thomson said they want Strahm stretched out to three innings before the season starts.

They also want to stretch out Brogdon, Bellatti and Yunior Marte, who could win last bullpen job.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) March 16, 2023

The primary challenge for the Phillies will be helping Strahm readjust to pitching multiple innings in relief, allowing him to contribute significantly throughout the season. 

Entering his eighth major-league season, the 31-year-old has compiled a 3.81 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, with 325 strikeouts across 304.2 innings and 207 games.
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