Daily News | Phillies plan to have reliever Matt Strahm pitch multiple innings as injuries take toll on rotation depth
Jose F. Moreno / Staff PhotographerLAKELAND, Fla. — Matt Strahm throws five types of pitches, three more than most relievers. And when he signed with theThat day is Friday.
That might still wind up as Strahm’s primary role. But the Phillies’ needs have changed. Ranger Suárez is rebuilding his arm strength in the hopes of making his first start, but Andrew Painter won’t be ready for the season. Neither will Nick Nelson or lefty Cristopher Sánchez. “He’s a guy that, if you’re down two [runs] and he comes in in the fourth inning, and in the sixth we come back and tie or take the lead, send him back out for the seventh,” Thomson said. “He’s that type of guy. He’s a leverage guy.”Whatever the role, Strahm insists he’d be up for it.
Thomson said the Phillies are also hoping to stretch out relievers Connor Brogdon and Andrew Bellatti for multiple innings. Yunior Marte, a candidate for the final spot in the bullpen, also will get an opportunity to pitch more than one inning before camp breaks.Bryce Harper took another step in the long recovery from Tommy John surgery by taking swings at “soft tosses” — underhand throws from a coach — in the batting cage at the Phillies’ complex in Clearwater, Fla.
“That was a good one,” Wheeler said. “That was probably the best one — or one of the best ones — I’ve thrown this spring.”
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