Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman Proud to Represent Phillies, Non-closers
ARLINGTON, Tex. — Neither Matt Strahm nor Jeff Hoffman are full-time closers. Strahm, in fact, is a middle reliever. Hoffman closes occasionally but is often a setup man. But their first-half efforts did not go unnoticed, as the tandem represented the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2024 All-Star Game.
“It’s awesome,” Strahm said of making the team as a middleman. “I think guys are starting to realize the game can be won in the sixth, seventh, or eighth. When the top of the order is coming up in the sixth, and the bottom of the order’s done their job and got on base, that’s a huge stopping point in the game.”
Hoffman was happier that Strahm made it than he was for his own selection. “It’s really cool,” he said. “I see how hard he works. He sees how hard I work. We both felt like we had a good case for it but also felt like only one of us would get in. I was just hoping it was going to be him, because even though the saves and the holds might not be there for some guys, there are guys out there like Matt that mean more to their team than the stat book shows. So I’m really happy that he got to be in, and when my name got called, it was just a bonus.”
Not Only Teammates, but…
Five relief pitchers made it from each league. For two of them to be from the same team is amazing. Additionally, they were two of a record-setting eight Phillies to make the squad. “It’s awesome,” Hoffman said. “The city deserves this. They have so much passion for us, the Sixers, the Eagles, and the Flyers. I feel like this is a great way to show the city what they’re proud of and what they come out to support.”
Strahm pointed out another interesting aspect of the All-Star team. Not only are he and Hoffman teammates, but they are catch partners in pregame warmups. “We play catch every day,” Strahm beamed. “It’s awesome. I don’t need to find a catch partner here in Texas. Brought mine with me. Or he brought me, whichever one.”
Strahm concluded by pointing out that he and Hoffman aren’t the only talented Phillies relievers. “I can’t speak highly enough about the guys out in our bullpen,” he stressed. Their selflessness—there’s plenty of studs out there.”
More All-Star Coverage:
Teoscar Hernandez Wins Home Run Derby, Ryan McMahon on His Eventful Year, How David Bell Learned He’s an All-Star Coach, AL Wins 2024 All-Star Game
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