On Thursday night, lefty pitcher Matt Imhof returned to action, after eight weeks on the shelf with a bicep strain, to notch the win for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers.
In five innings of work against Bradenton (Pirates affiliate), the 21-year-old tossed five strong innings, allowing one earned run on five hits while striking out four and walking two. It was Imhof’s first start for the Threshers since April 14th.
Fresh off a rehab appearance with the Phillies’ extended spring training club last weekend in which he threw five innings, Imhof, who was the Phillies’ second round draft selection a year ago, took the mound, throwing all three of his pitches with confidence and held nothing back, feeding off the excitement of being back on the mound for a game that counts in the standings.