The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Apr. 28 that Don Mattingly will serve as interim manager through the end of the season, following the dismissal of Rob Thomson. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made the decision to change leadership after a difficult start to the season.
The change in management comes as the team seeks improved performance and consistency. The Phillies, who are a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League according to the official website, have a history of high expectations from their fan base and organization.
Mattingly addressed reporters before Tuesday night’s game against the Giants at Citizens Bank Park, saying, “Because, Dave asked.” He added, “It’s all coming back to what? Better baseball.” Players responded positively on Tuesday night with a 7-0 victory. Trea Turner commented on the transition: “It’s tough, man… He’s not losing those games out there. It’s us, and we’ve got to play better… But sometimes change could be a good thing, and hopefully we roll with it and play a lot better baseball.”
Pitcher Jesús Luzardo also reflected on his first experience with an in-season managerial change: “It’s definitely tough to see Topper go.” Outfielder Kyle Schwarber said about Thomson’s tenure: “I think that he should be remembered for a lot of great things that went on here, for taking us to the World Series, bringing us to the playoffs every single year and being a really good person, a really good manager. So we feel awful.”
Mattingly drew from his own playing career when discussing how teams react during times like these: “I think if you’re realistic and you look in the mirror… you know you haven’t performed… If you truly look in the mirror at this club, we know we haven’t performed to what we’re capable of to this point.”
Citizens Bank Park has been home for Phillies games since 2004 according to their official website. The franchise serves both Philadelphia residents and fans across wider regions as reported by its official site, engaging through games and community outreach initiatives according to its official website. The front office is led by executives including chief executive officer and general manager overseeing operations according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Mattingly referenced past comebacks under his management: “We have that kind of talent,” he said.
