Phillies Motivated by Manager Don Mattingly’s Work Returning Team to Fighting Form

Prior to Philadelphia firing manager Rob Thomson, the club started the season 9–19. Since naming Don Mattingly interim manager, Phillies are 8–3.

Don Mattingly of the Philadelphia Phillies, walks off the field prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 29, 2026. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Is Don Mattingly in the Philadelphia Phillies long-term plans?

When Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and club general manager Preston Mattingly relieved manager Rob Thomson of his position on April 28, they turned to bench coach Mattingly to try and steer a sinking ball club. With the club off to a dismal start of 9–19, management hit the panic button early in the season. Two days earlier, the Boston Red Sox sacked their field skipper Alex Cora. Patience isn’t a virtue when it comes to success at the MLB level.