The Philadelphia Phillies had a rather uneventful and subdued spring training—perhaps a bit too quiet. However, with Opening Day just over a week away, injuries are beginning to surface for the reigning NL East champions.
Fortunately, the recent health issues affecting the team seem to be minor and not a major cause for concern. Even so, as spring training nears its end and final roster decisions approach, it’s important to monitor the status of the injured players.
The Philadelphia Phillies went through a relatively quiet, boring month of spring training. It was a little too quiet. Now, just over a week before Opening Day, spring injuries are catching up with the defending NL East champions.
Luckily, it appears all the ailments that have befallen the Phillies over the last few days are minor and nothing to be seriously concerned about. Still, we need to keep tabs on where the injured Phillies stand with spring training wrapping up soon and roster decisions looming.
Phillies’ injury update on Matt Strahm’s shoulder sounds positive but still leaves a big question mark
The most concerning injury involved left-handed reliever Matt Strahm, who was sidelined by the Phillies due to an impingement in his throwing shoulder. Given Strahm’s expected key role in the bullpen this season, the initial news was worrisome, even though both he and the team remained optimistic.
After a period of rest, Strahm is now pain-free, and the bone bruise and inflammation are no longer an issue as he gradually ramps up his throwing program, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. He progressed from throwing at 75 feet on March 15 to 90 feet on Sunday. Whether he’ll be ready for Opening Day remains uncertain, but he remains confident in his recovery.
“I’ll be ready,” Strahm stated, per Zolecki. “But it’s up to them…”
Strahm has only made two appearances this spring, last pitching on March 5. In 1 2/3 innings, he allowed six runs, issued three walks, and struck out three batters.
Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh and Alec Bohm to resume playing soon … very soon
Phillies fans had a brief scare on Sunday when, in the span of two innings, outfielders Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh exited the game against the Baltimore Orioles due to injuries. Kepler collided with the left-field wall while making a catch, leaving with a back contusion, while Marsh banged his left knee on the outfield track before awkwardly landing on the same knee during a sliding catch the following inning.
As Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation pointed out, losing one outfielder would be tough for the team—losing two would be even worse. However, there’s no need to panic. Manager Rob Thomson reassured reporters on Monday that both players are expected to return to game action very soon.
Just how soon? According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber, Marsh is set to play in Tuesday’s road game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kepler could also be in the lineup, though that remains uncertain.
Kepler has made a strong impression in a Phillies uniform, hitting .346 with a 1.238 OPS and three home runs in 26 at-bats. Marsh hasn’t been quite as dominant at the plate, batting .259 with a .740 OPS, but he’s showing patience, recording nine walks to six strikeouts and posting a .444 on-base percentage.
Additionally, third baseman Alec Bohm is dealing with a bruised foot. While not considered serious, he could return as soon as Wednesday when the Phillies host the New York Yankees.
Johan Rojas is finally close to playing in the outfield
Center fielder Johan Rojas has yet to appear in an outfield role during spring training, but that should change soon, according to manager Rob Thomson. The defensive standout has been gradually working his way back after arriving at camp with a jammed shoulder from winter ball. Rojas threw to bases on Monday and is scheduled to do so again on Wednesday, which should set him up for game action in center field shortly after, per Todd Zolecki.
Zolecki also notes that, based on Thomson’s comments, the Phillies appear to be planning for Rojas to make the Opening Day roster as the fourth outfielder.
Despite Marsh and Kepler expected to play almost daily—even against left-handed pitchers—Thomson believes there will still be enough at-bats for Rojas early in the season.
At the plate, Rojas is having a stellar spring, a sharp contrast to his struggles last year. In 33 at-bats, he’s slashing .303/.378/.515 with two home runs and seven RBI. While he has nine strikeouts to just two walks, the Phillies remain confident he’ll find opportunities to contribute offensively despite Kepler and Marsh handling most of the playing time.
