The playoffs are a 99 percent certainty, according to people who compute that kind of stuff. Every game still matters. The big picture matters just as much.
Big picture health should be priority for Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and surging Phillies
Things look a lot different right now than they did on June 22, when Wheeler’s back started barking during a start vs. Arizona. The Phillies had spent the previous month treading water. They were 11-11 since that electric 30-7 surge that had vaulted them into first place. They’d lost six of nine and the schedule was stiffening. The Braves were finding themselves. The Dodgers were churning out wins.
Let me pause for a moment to say what I’m not saying. I’m not saying that the Phillies should bag up the regular season and start planning the parade. I’m not saying that their current lead is insurmountable. The Dodgers are more than capable of +6 wins the rest of the way. The only time anyone should be comfortable with an 9½-game lead over the Braves is when there are eight games left to play.
The Phillies have earned the right to err on the side of caution. Thomson’s biggest challenge as a manager might be getting his players to accept that. On the organizational side, the Phillies have always had their priorities in order. The focus belongs on the long-term when it comes to players’ health. It makes business sense. It makes competitive sense. Thomson’s strength as a manager is the human side. Makes sense there, too.
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