Overview
- The Phillies elevated Don Mattingly to interim manager after Rob Thomson was fired in late April and have surged back into the playoff mix under him.
- Under Mattingly the club has posted a strong record — widely reported as 57-39 — that put Philadelphia in a tight National League wild‑card race.
- Citing Bob Nightengale and corroborated by Reuters and other outlets, multiple reports on Sunday said the team expects to hire Alex Cora after the season unless Mattingly guides the club to at least a World Series berth or a title.
- Those reports say Dave Dombrowski’s close relationship with Cora and his secure position in the front office are key reasons Cora is the reported front‑office favorite.
- If hired, Cora would return with a 620-541 managerial record and a 2018 World Series title in Boston, while his past MLB suspension for sign-stealing remains part of his public record.