The Philadelphia Phillies will be moving Matt Strahm to the bullpen according to MLB.com. Strahm has turned in a 3.51 ERA over six starts, but his 26.2 inning pitched is already more than half of his entire 2022 season workload.
There are 129 games left in the 2023 MLB season.
As Ranger Suarez nears his return, there was going to be on odd man out between Strahm and Bailey Falter. But while Strahm is outperforming Falter, Strahm's innings must be watched.
It is unsustainable for him to continue to pitch on pace for 150-plus innings when he didn't even break 50 last year. Additionally, the bullpen could use a steady presence like Strahm, as the unit has struggled to open the season with any real consistency.
Even if Strahm moves to the bullpen, there is nothing saying he can't make a spot start or move back to the rotation if needed due to injury. Keeping him fresh and giving him some break in his workload could be beneficial especially if he needs to be called upon again.
In the end, it is the wise and correct decision by the Phillies.
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