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Phillies Fire Rob Thomson, Install Don Mattingly as Interim After 9-19 Freefall

The shake-up tests a high-payroll, aging core with a glaring weakness against left-handed pitching.

Overview

  • Philadelphia dismissed Rob Thomson on Tuesday and named bench coach Don Mattingly interim through 2026, and USA Today reported Alex Cora declined an offer to take the job.
  • Following Tuesday’s change, the Phillies beat the Giants as Jesús Luzardo threw seven scoreless innings for the club’s first seven-inning start of the season.
  • The team sits 9-19 with 11 losses in 12 games and a minus-54 run differential, tied with the Mets for the worst record in MLB.
  • Roster construction is under fire with an estimated $317 million luxury-tax payroll, an older core of stars, and right-handed hitters producing a .505 OPS against left-handed pitching.
  • The Giants promoted right-hander Gregory Santos from Triple-A before Wednesday’s game in Philadelphia to bolster a bullpen that has been one of the league’s better units.