Story perspectives

Phillies Fire Thomson, Mattingly Takes Over After 9-19 Start

4/30/2026

Summary

Phillies Fire Manager

The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, 2026 after a 9-19 start.
Dave Dombrowski offered the job to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who declined for family reasons.
Bench coach Don Mattingly became interim manager for the rest of the season.
With a $284.7 million payroll and World Series expectations, the team now sits 10.5 games behind the Braves, tying it for last place in the majors.

Summary

Phillies Trim Payroll

The Phillies cut pitcher Taijuan Walker, the final year of his $72 million deal, and outfielder Nick Castellanos, the final year of his $100 million contract.
Philadelphia’s rotation posted the worst ERA (5.80), WHIP (1.64) and opponent batting average (.307).
The offense ranked 29th in batting (.219) and on-base percentage (.294).
The 2026 payroll is projected at just over $315 million.
Philadelphia will host the 2026 All-Star Game despite the season’s collapse.

History

Historical Context

After the Tigers’ 71-win 2005 season ended with Alan Trammell’s dismissal—his third year after a 119-loss 2003 campaign—Detroit showed that poor results outweigh big payrolls. Philadelphia echoed this pattern in 2024, firing manager Rob Thomson, promoting bench coach Don Mattingly, and turning down Alex Cora’s offer, underscoring owners’ willingness to change leadership despite financial investment.

1 of 3

Phillies Fire Manager

The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on April 28, 2026 after a 9-19 start.
Dave Dombrowski offered the job to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who declined for family reasons.
Bench coach Don Mattingly became interim manager for the rest of the season.
With a $284.7 million payroll and World Series expectations, the team now sits 10.5 games behind the Braves, tying it for last place in the majors.

1 / 3