"If the Phillies were 20 games out of first place, free-agent-to-be Brett Myers still would want to pitch this month to show any potential suitors that he is healthy after right hip surgery.

But Myers insists that isn't what this is about.

The Phillies are in first place, destined to reach the postseason, and Myers will be activated from the disabled list before tonight's series opener in Houston because he is ready to help strengthen their bullpen for the stretch drive and the playoffs.

Everything else, including his impending free agency, is superfluous.

"I don't care about next year," said Myers, who was seated in the dugout before Thursday night's game. "I can't control next year. The only thing I can control is going out and trying to pitch clean innings and getting us into the dugout so we can hit home runs for these fans. That's the only thing I care about.

"The offseason will take care of itself when the offseason comes around. I'm not worried about it at all. Money's never been an issue for me. I don't think about how much I make. That's just not me. I've never been that way. It's not my personality.""