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Phillies Fire Rob Thomson, Install Don Mattingly as Interim Manager

The move signals a front-office push to address roster failures.

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Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Phillies, who fired Thomson on Tuesday, opened 2026 at 9-19 with an MLB-worst minus-54 run differential.
  • Bench coach Don Mattingly was named interim through 2026, with Dusty Wathan shifting to bench coach and Anthony Contreras elevated to third-base coach.
  • Team leaders point to production shortfalls more than clubhouse issues, including bottom-tier OPS from the 4-6 lineup spots and a .505 OPS by right-handed hitters against lefties.
  • President Dave Dombrowski has stepped up evaluation, bringing trusted scouts to Atlanta and reaching out to Alex Cora, who declined the job.
  • Mattingly now works under his son, GM Preston Mattingly, in a rare father–son pairing as the front office continues to pursue roster fixes after several costly misses.