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Phillies Fire Thomson, Install Don Mattingly as Interim Manager

4/29/2026

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Summary

Phillies Fire Thomson

Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, 2026 after a 9-19 start, citing a need for a voice.
In 28 games the team posted a 5.80 ERA and .219 batting average while Thomson left with a 355-270 record (.568), highest win percentage in franchise history.
Don Mattingly was named interim manager, Dusty Wathan bench coach and Anthony Contreras third-base coach, creating father-son manager/GM duo with Preston Mattingly as GM.

Summary

Phillies Slash Contracts

Philadelphia cut right-hander Taijuan Walker, ending the final year of his four-year, $72 million contract.
The club also released outfielder Nick Castellanos, voiding the last year of his five-year, $100 million deal.
Despite a $317 million payroll, Philadelphia sits at the bottom of the NL East.
Owner John Middleton met with senior scouts David Chadd, Charley Kerfeld and Brad Sloan in Atlanta to evaluate the collapse.

History

Historical Context

After owner Mike Ilitch named former shortstop Alan Trammell manager on October 9 2002, the Tigers set an American League record with 119 losses in 2003 and posted a 71-91 record in 2005. Ilitch dismissed Trammell on October 3 2005 and hired Jim Leyland, whose 24-game turnaround led Detroit to the 2006 World Series.

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Phillies Fire Thomson

Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, 2026 after a 9-19 start, citing a need for a voice.
In 28 games the team posted a 5.80 ERA and .219 batting average while Thomson left with a 355-270 record (.568), highest win percentage in franchise history.
Don Mattingly was named interim manager, Dusty Wathan bench coach and Anthony Contreras third-base coach, creating father-son manager/GM duo with Preston Mattingly as GM.

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