Phillies Injury Updates Ahead of Opening Day…
**Matt Strahm (Left Shoulder Impingement)**
**Status:** Expected to be ready for Opening Day
Strahm is scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game on Saturday, per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. If all goes well, he’ll pitch again on Monday and should be set for Opening Day. He recently explained the issue with his shoulder, noting that inflammation was preventing his muscles from functioning properly. Once the swelling is controlled, his shoulder should remain stable. — *Updated March 21 by Nathan Ackerman*
**Ranger Suárez (Mild Back Stiffness)**
**Status:** TBD; scheduled to play catch on Saturday
Suárez is experiencing mild back stiffness, as reported by multiple sources, including *The Philadelphia Inquirer’s* Scott Lauber. The discomfort arose after a 60-pitch intrasquad outing last Saturday, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled Friday start. Suárez, who battled back issues last season, emphasized that this instance is less severe: “It’s just mild discomfort compared to last year. Last year was a bigger deal,” he said through an interpreter. — *Updated March 21 by Nathan Ackerman*
**Johan Rojas (Right Shoulder Discomfort)**
**Status:** Returned to outfield action on Thursday
After injuring his shoulder during a slide in the Dominican Winter League playoffs, Rojas made his spring training debut in center field on Thursday. He played seven innings, handled six chances, and hit a double. The following day, he served as the designated hitter, going 2-for-5. — *Updated March 21 by Nathan Ackerman*
**Weston Wilson (Left Oblique Strain)**
**Status:** Out for six weeks; will start the season on the 10-day injured list
Wilson, a leading candidate for a bench role, will miss the beginning of the season due to an oblique strain sustained while hitting in the batting cages on February 21. Calling the injury a “freak accident,” Wilson expressed his disappointment, saying, “I didn’t feel anything before, so there was no warning. It sucks. I was really looking forward to starting the year.” — *Updated Feb. 24 by Destiny Lugardo*
