PHOENIX – It’s a bit of a different week in Rob Thomson’s managerial world as there is much to navigate before the regular season ends a week from today.

As he has stated many times, the biggest goal is to win every game, and that will never change. But with the playoffs quickly approaching, there is so much more on the manager’s plate right now.

“It’s always about health, but there’s a lot more focus, for me, on the health of the players right now,” said Thomson before his team played the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third and final game of the series. “To strike that balance to be able to win games, get in, get the bye, try to get the best record and keeping people healthy and not pushing them too far. Relievers, position players. Everybody. That’s really, that’s always on my mind but probably a little bit more so now.”

And, of course, there are always side stories to a season, such as Kyle Schwarber trying to set a team record for home runs in a season (he has 53 and is five short of tying Ryan Howard’s mark), or Trea Turner’s quest for a batting title (he currently leads at .305).

“It’s all about health, to me. Yeah, I want him to win the batting title for sure,” said Thomson. “But I want to make sure he’s ready for the playoffs, too.”

Turner continues to rehab his strained hamstring in Philadelphia and will ramp up that process this week.“

“He’ll see live pitching Tuesday and Wednesday at CBP,” said Thomson. Great. Everything’s been great. He’s come along. I think, because he needs the at-bats, that if he’s running at 100 percent, or close to it, then we go (activate him).”

Another part of Thomson’s week will be figuring out who pitches and when. So far, he hasn’t planned out the week that includes three games with the Miami Marlins starting on Tuesday and then three to close out the regular season against the Minnesota Twins.

“Not yet,” he said when asked if he knew his upcoming rotation. “I know it’s Sanchy (Cristopher Sánchez) and Luzardo.”

Phight through it

Max Kepler wasn’t in the lineup Sunday as the Phillies were facing left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. A day off may not be a bad thing right now for the outfielder, as he has just one hit in his last 19 at-bats.

“I think you got to give him room to get out of it,” said Thomson. “Yeah, he’s had a couple of bad days but it hasn’t been all that long. And he was swinging the bat so well. You’ve got to give him so leash.”

While all the talk of the platooning outfield has mostly centered on the hitting aspect of it, the Brandon Marsh, Harris Bader, Kepler trio has played magnificent defense since being anointed the primary starters.

“Thos guys, they cover a lot of ground, no doubt. It’s a good mix,” said Thomson. “Well, it’s more about the offense, really, to tell you the truth. But the benefit of those guys being able to play defense and swinging the bat the way they are. It’s worked out pretty good.”

Remembering Bernie

The passing of Philadelphia Flyer legend Bernie Parent Sunday brought memories to Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who grew up in Canada and a Toronto Maple Leafs fans.

“Great man,” said Thomson. “I forget what year it was, but I spoke at the (Philadelphia) sports writers (dinner) and they were honoring the Stanley Cup champs so there was a table full of them. So, I’m speaking and I’m telling the story about when I was a kid watching the Broad Street Bullies play my Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto had one superstar and his name was Borje Salming. As I’m telling the story I said that it seemed like the Flyers just went after Salming and neutralized him, just took him out of the game. As I’m telling the story I’m looking at the table and they are all (nodding in agreement). They just got him out of the way and ran all over the Leafs.”