Phillies 2023 report cards: Grading the bullpen

Matt Strahm

Matt Strahm was truly a jack of all trades for the Phillies in 2023.

To start the season, with injuries to Ranger Suárez and other pitchers on the staff, the long-time San Diego Padre made six spot starts. Over the course of the rest of the season, he went on to start four more games as an opener, pitched in multiple innings numerous times, pitched in high-leverage and low-leverage situations, and even saved a couple of games.

His versatility and calmness were huge weapons for the team throughout the year.

The 32-year-old logged 87 innings for the Phillies and helped out in every way possible. While he struggled sometimes going multiple innings, he was there in close ball games, and when Thomson didn't want to throw in a mop-up guy but also needed some length.

In the postseason, however, Strahm was nails. In his seven appearances over five and a third innings, he allowed only three hits, several times coming in with men on base and shutting the door, including the NLDS-clinching Game 4 against the Braves.

The lefty's performance allowed Rob Thomson to use his bullpen at will, having that Swiss army knife in his back pocket. Look for Strahm to make another big impact in 2024.

Grade: B+