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Phillies Fire Rob Thomson, Name Don Mattingly Interim

4/29/2026

35 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Phillies Fire Thomson

The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, 2026 after a 9-19 start.
General manager Dave Dombrowski offered the job to Alex Cora, who declined to stay with his family.
Thomson departed with a 355-270 record that includes the 2022 World Series and four playoff appearances.
Bench coach Don Mattingly was named interim manager for the remainder of the season.

Summary

Phillies Eye Recovery

The Phillies have a negative-54 run differential and rank 28th in scoring and ERA after a 9-19 start.
Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, catcher J.T. Realmuto and closer Jhoan Duran are on the injured list.
Nine of the next 13 games are at home against the Giants, Athletics and Rockies, offering a chance to improve.
Analysts give the team about a 40% chance of making the playoffs despite the 9-19 record.

History

Historical Context

The Phillies’ first World Series in 1980 ended a 25-year postseason drought, a point that contrasts with the franchise’s pattern of dismissals, including Larry Bowa’s firing on June 6 2005 after a 47-61 start and Rob Thomson’s termination in April 2026 amid a 9-19 record. Ed Wade cited a .433 winning percentage and a 4.12 ERA, and the 2026 move followed injuries to ace Zack Wheeler and J.T. Realmuto.

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Phillies Fire Thomson

The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, 2026 after a 9-19 start.
General manager Dave Dombrowski offered the job to Alex Cora, who declined to stay with his family.
Thomson departed with a 355-270 record that includes the 2022 World Series and four playoff appearances.
Bench coach Don Mattingly was named interim manager for the remainder of the season.

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