The Philadelphia Phillies are set to begin their 2025 season in two weeks against the Washington Nationals. The Opening Day roster is starting to take shape as spring training ends but there have been some recent developments regarding key players.
Although it didn’t matter, the Phillies won a high-scoring game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday at BayCare Ballpark. However, Matt Strahm remained sidelined with a shoulder injury and Nick Castellanos was out of the lineup.
Phillies provide an update on Matt Strahm's shoulder injury
Strahm, one of the Phillies’ eight All-Stars in 2024, is dealing with an impingement in his left shoulder, which led to inflammation and a bone bruise. On Thursday, Phillies manager Rob Thompson said the left-hander is feeling better and will be re-evaluated on Saturday, per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
Strahm made only two appearances this spring, pitching 1 2/3 innings. He struggled in those outings, allowing three hits, three walks and six earned runs, including a home run. His velocity was down, raising concern for how serious this injury might be.
The Phillies need Strahm healthy throughout the regular season to help lead the new-look bullpen. They’re being cautious to ensure he’s fully healthy to prevent any major setbacks.
Trea Turner finally goes yard in win over Braves
Phillies star shortstop Trea Turner has been ice-cold at the plate this spring. The 31-year-old entered Thursday’s game 1-for-17 with seven strikeouts through seven games. Hopefully his performance against the Braves is a sign of things to come.
Turner launched a solo home run to left field to lead off the game. He drove in two more runs later in the game off a sacrifice fly and a groundout, finishing the day with three RBI.
Hey hey it's leadoff Trea pic.twitter.com/I7Lqi1pjNA
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 13, 2025
The Phillies plan on switching up the lineup in 2025, most notably at the top of the order. Kyle Schwarber has been the leadoff hitter, but Turner seems like the likely candidate to take over that role.
Although Castellanos wasn’t in the lineup, Thursday’s batting order was effective. The Phillies’ starting one through eight hitters went 9-for-25 with 14 RBI and six extra-base hits, including four home runs.
Nick Castellanos not in lineup Thursday
Castellanos hasn’t played since Sunday and was out of the lineup again Thursday due to an illness, per Zolecki. The veteran didn’t take the trip to Fort Myers earlier this week and the Phillies didn’t play on Wednesday.
The Phillies’ right fielder has had a cold start this spring, owning a .143 batting average with nine strikeouts in 21 at-bats. Castellanos is an important piece in the middle of the Phillies’ order, so luckily his absence doesn’t seem concerning.
Castellanos was one of the few Phillies hitters who finished the 2024 season strong. He slashed .287/.345/.494 with a .839 OPS, 15 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 39 RBI after the All-Star break. The 33-year-old had a .412 batting average and 1.059 OPS with a double, a home run and three RBI during the Phillies’ short-lived playoff run.
The Phillies need Castellanos to do more of the same this season in their pursuit of a World Series championship.