Strahm will be on a pitch count of 65 to 70 pitches when he makes his first MLB start Thursday against the Angels, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.
Thursday's pitch count certainly draws back Strahm's appeal in daily formats, but there's reason for optimism moving forward. Barring some unforeseen circumstance, the club is expected to give the southpaw a string of starts to see what Strahm can do. All 41 of the 25-year-old's big-league appearances have come in relief, but he spent the majority of his last three minor-league seasons having success as a starter.