The Philadelphia Phillies are entering a critical 2025 season, looking to reclaim their spot atop the National League. After making the World Series in 2022, the franchise has moved up its divisional ladder for two straight seasons but had disappointing postseason finishes.
The most recent elimination came against a bitter rival, the New York Mets, in the National League Divisional Series. Therefore, the Phillies are on a bit of a revenge tour this season but might be short-handed on Opening Day against the Washington Nationals.
According to Phillies beat writer The Athletic, Matt Gelb, the team could be without All-Star reliever Matt Strahm to begin the season. Gelb disclosed the surprising cause of the injury and how serious it is over X.
“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.”
A player getting injured while packing might be a first for this franchise. Strahm is coming off an All-Star season with the Phillies, having compiled an ERA of just 1.87. The 33-year-old lefty is peaking in Philadelphia and will be critical to the team throughout the regular season and especially if it makes the playoffs.
It’s a long season, injuries will happen, and Strahm will certainly be back soon. That being said, this is not the news the Phillies wanted to hear a few days before the season starts on March 27.
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