“Phillies’ All-Star Reliever Takes a Bold Stand Against Controversial New ‘Torpedo’ Bats”….
The use of “torpedo” bats by several New York Yankees players, along with other MLB stars, has sparked a lot of opinions around baseball. Philadelphia Phillies reliever Matt Strahm, however, has offered a particularly fiery and unique perspective on the controversial new bats.
After the Yankees hit a record-tying 15 home runs in their first three games—four of which were by Aaron Judge, who doesn’t use the torpedo bats—Strahm took to X (Twitter) to share his thoughts.
“Let them use whatever bat they want,” Strahm wrote. “Let’s just allow pitchers to use whatever hitters have in the on-deck circle. And not check us like we are criminals every time we walk on or off the field. I’m just a pitcher, but I’m assuming better grip helps ya swing harder…” He was referring to the mandatory hand checks umpires conduct on pitchers, a practice MLB implemented in 2021 to crack down on the use of sticky substances.
Strahm later softened his stance on allowing pitchers to use “sticky stuff,” replying to a fan who supported his original comment with: “PREACH!!! This was my exact thought, let you guys use the sticky stuff.”
“Not sticky cause some of that stuff was a bit much. Just whatever a hitter can use to grip a bat better we can use too,” the 2024 All-Star clarified.
Given Strahm’s impressive 1.87 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 62.2 innings last season, it’s clear he doesn’t necessarily need “sticky stuff” to succeed.
The debate continues, however, over whether the “torpedo” bats truly offer a significant advantage to hitters.
