NL DIVISION SERIES: PHILLIES VS BRAVES

October 7, 2023

Rob Thomson

Truist Park

Philadelphia Phillies

Pregame 1 Press Conference

Q. Rob, Ranger said yesterday that his goal today is to go deeper into the game, but is that something that he'll be able to do considering that you guys have the off day tomorrow and that you could be a little more aggressive with the bullpen?

ROB THOMSON: Yeah. We have that opportunity today and on Monday to be more aggressive. So we'll see how it plays out, what the score of the game is, the game state, how Ranger looks, and we'll make a decision one way or the other.

Q. And Cave over Wilson because of the righties in the Atlanta bullpen?

ROB THOMSON: Yes. In the Miami series, they had seven pitchers on their roster that were left-handed and Atlanta has got three. So the lefty takes that spot.

Q. Just the considerations for adding another pitcher, why Lorenzen and just what kind of a role you might have for him?

ROB THOMSON: Just an extra pitcher. Michael can probably give us two or three innings if we need it. The first two games probably won't come into play, but it's more for later in the series, I think, just because of the off days.

And I just thought that, you know, that extra right-handed bat coming off the bench was probably not going to be used because of all the right-handed pitching.

Q. Correct me if I'm wrong, did you have a similar situation with Kyle last year?

ROB THOMSON: Kyle Gibson? Yes. Yeah.

Q. How would you say that either of them handled it? Was it similar? Did Mike throw anything in the --

ROB THOMSON: Oh, no. No. He was completely professional. You could tell that he was disappointed, but complete pro, and he has been since the day he walked in our clubhouse.

Q. And delighted when you told him this time?

ROB THOMSON: Yeah, he was. He was happy.

Q. And secondly, I know you've been back here several times, but not for the NLDS. When you came in yesterday and stuff and came back today, what did you kind of remember? What was the feeling like?

ROB THOMSON: You mean from last year? Well, Scott asked me a question about last year yesterday, and I really haven't thought much about last year because we're so focused -- I'm still focused on this series and today's game.

But all I remember is coming in here last year and knowing that we were up against a really good opponent, it was going to be a tough series, and that's exactly what it was. And I expect the same thing this year.

Q. They have two relievers, Hernández and Smith-Shawver that you haven't seen. I'm curious how much of an effect that is and how do you prepare for someone you haven't seen?

ROB THOMSON: We gotta write up reports, watch tape. I haven't seen Hernández yet. I haven't had time, but the Shawver guy has got a great arm, up to 100 miles an hour fastball.

I don't know whether they'll use him out of the bullpen or he'll start Game 3. I'm not really certain on that, but they'll be ready for those guys.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about the relationship the team has cultivated with the fanbase over the last two years and how that's evolved and how that's led to the postseason environment that you guys have right now?

ROB THOMSON: Yeah, I think once we started winning last year, I think -- and how we were winning and the fun that the guys were having on the field, it sort of showed up in the ballpark with our fanbase and came through their TV sets if they were watching at home.

And then we go on the run last year in the playoffs, and I think there's this -- if you want to call it a love affair between the fanbase and our players and our players and our fanbase.

And so for a lot of years, we weren't having much success. So the players that were already there, they got one side of the passion of our fanbase. And once we got playing well and got into the playoffs, they saw the other side, and I think now that they've seen that, they really appreciate them even more.

Q. Just curious what you've seen from Trea. I know he had that big home run binge, and it's been a while now since he's gone deep. I'm curious what you think of his swing right now and where he's at?

ROB THOMSON: I think he's in a good spot really. He went through a little bit of a stretch towards the end of September where he wasn't really swinging the bat well, wasn't having much success. But I like it now.

He is starting to hit the ball hard, and he's starting to use the field again, and he's not chasing. So I think he's in a good spot, and I hope he keeps it going.