NL DIVISION SERIES: DODGERS VS PHILLIES

October 8, 2025

Rob Thomson

Dodger Stadium

Philadelphia Phillies

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. How close do you watch Aaron tonight? Are you almost going batter to batter with him? Can you give him time to settle? I mean, how close do you have to watch him?

ROB THOMSON: I mean, like anyone, pretty close, at this stage of the game. But we've got to plan together and Aaron Noles knows it. Yeah, we'll be ready to go.

Q. Trea talked about how valuable it can be that you're even keeled. Was that something that you were always that way, or was it something you've been all your whole life?

ROB THOMSON: I kind have been this way, but I learned a lot working for Joe Torre. And the players appreciate that, that you're not hot and cold and flying off the handle every inning. It keeps them relaxed a little bit.

Q. When Trea got to Philadelphia, his defensive mechanics were a little different and his hitting approach was maybe a little different as well. Can you address sort of kinds of changes he's had to make and how remarkable it is that a guy at this stage of career is willing and able to make them?

ROB THOMSON: As far as the defense is concerned, I think he's improved so much just reading hops. His glove work, his throwing accuracy, him and Bobby Dickerson have done a tremendous job and a lot of work to clean it up a little bit.

As far as the offense is concerned, I think anytime a guy comes to a new team and has a big contract, I think it puts a little added pressure on it. And I think that's how it all started with him, his first half season anyway here in Philadelphia.

But I think he's settled in. I think he's using the field a little bit more. Not focusing so much on the home run ball because it's going to come, because he's strong and he has bat speed, but getting on base, using the field, creating havoc for the other team. So I think those are the biggest changes.

Q. Is it remarkable that he was willing and able to do it at this stage of his career?

ROB THOMSON: Yeah, this is a game of adjustments, adapting, trying to be the best version of yourself. And sometimes it's tougher for a veteran to believe that he needs to improve, he can improve. But Trea has certainly taken that in and been a really good student. He's gotten a lot better.

Q. I'm sure the preference is to get Ranger a clean inning, but would you bring him in in the middle of an inning if needed, or would it be a traditional relieve and then get Ranger ready for the next?

ROB THOMSON: I'll never say never, but I'd prefer to clean up an inning with somebody else.

Q. And Bader, what do you feel comfortable with him doing or not doing today?

ROB THOMSON: Probably the same thing he did in Game 2. I think there's a little better chance that he would run from himself, but we don't know 100 percent. That would kind of be a game-time decision, but he can pinch-hit for sure.

Q. With Ranger, he exited his last start early, and because he was a little banged up he didn't pitch in the scrimmage you had. Then he was available in the bullpen for the first couple of games. Is there any concern about, just routine wise, how he might look maybe? And just with the long lay off, is there any concern there? And how do you feel he's stayed in tune with a questionable schedule, like when he would actually be able to pitch?

ROB THOMSON: Yeah, he's been up on the mound a couple times. So I feel good about that. I think everybody knows Ranger. I don't think -- there's not too much that bothers him. I have full confidence he's ready to go.

Q. Just what's the mood of the guys? I'm sure you've spoken with a couple of them going into this game. Just how are they feeling -- just optimistic, what's the tone, basically?

ROB THOMSON: I think they feel good. I've heard a couple of them talk about you've got to win one game. And this is the most important game right here. You've got to take them one at a time. You've got to trust yourself and trust your teammates and stay relaxed and loose and be yourself.

Q. If you guys know around game time that Bader can run for himself, can you DH him and put Schwarber in left field? Can you that change?

ROB THOMSON: No, we wouldn't do that.