Ex-Red Sox Stud Shining In New Role For NL East Club; Should Boston Have Re-Signed Him?

Should Boston have re-signed one of its relief pitchers from 2022?

The Boston Red Sox's starting pitching could use a boost. 

Boston is 13-13 through the club's first 26 games and although the club has shown some flashes of impressive play at times, the club's starting pitching has struggled at points. Although there have been some issues, the Red Sox's starting rotation has dealt with a plethora of injuries and should improve shortly. 

The Red Sox's bullpen has been impressive so far this season although they are missing one of their most important pieces from 2022. Left-handed hurler Matt Strahm was one of the team's most dependable relievers last season but left the club this past offseason and signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Strahm -- who has bounced around between the bullpen and starting rotations throughout his career -- moved to the Phillies' starting rotation and has shined in six appearances so far. The 31-year-old has compiled a 2.31 ERA in six appearances and five starts. The lefty has struck out 32 batters across 23 1/3 innings pitched so far this season for Philadelphia while walking just seven batters. 

Although Strahm has been impressive so far this season for Philadelphia, he likely wouldn't have had a spot in the Boston rotation if he re-signed with the club. Boston entered the season with seven different hurlers fighting for the five rotation spots in Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, Nick Pivetta, James Paxton, and Brayan Bello. If Strahm had returned he likely wouldn't have been considered as a starter with the club already dealing with a logjam. 

The lefty has impressed so far this season and has shown no signs of slowing down. It would be nice if he was pitching for Boston, but if he had re-signed he likely wouldn't have gotten the opportunity he has in Philadelphia. Hopefully, he can keep up his impressive play. 

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