PHILADELPHIA — Matt Strahm stood in front of a throng of media at his locker three hours before the Phillies’ series opener against the Mariners and knew which questions were coming.
Zack Wheeler, the Phillies’ ace, had undergone a procedure Monday to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder, leaving an entire fanbase anxious for news beyond just the on-field impact.
“He’s the heart of this team, the heart of the staff,” Strahm said, emphasizing the organization’s concern about Wheeler the human being more than Wheeler the staff ace.
The Phillies went out Monday night and had the sort of galvanizing effort they’ll need frequently over the next two-plus months to win it all, whether or not Wheeler is able to participate.