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Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson After 9-19 Start

4/30/2026

Summary

Phillies Fire Thomson

The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday after a 9-19 start.
Thomson said the team was 29th in batting (.219, OPS .656) and 30th in ERA (5.80).
He left after four straight playoff trips, matching Charlie Manuel as the only Phillies managers with that record, and said he is open to a special-assistant role.

Summary

Mattingly Takes Helm

Don Mattingly will serve as interim manager this season.
The Phillies promoted Dusty Wathan to bench coach and moved Anthony Contreras from Triple-A manager to third-base coach.
Preston Mattingly, Don’s son, serves as the Phillies’ general manager.
The Phillies cut Taijuan Walker from his $72 million deal and released Nick Castellanos from his $100 million contract, leaving a $315 million payroll and 28-game start, the worst since 2002, despite hosting 2026 All-Star Game.

History

Historical Context

When the Yankees dismissed Billy Martin on June 18 1979 after a 6-15 start, owner George Steinbrenner signaled the franchise’s low tolerance for early losing streaks. Martin’s firing, part of a pattern of abrupt mid-season changes, echoes later moves by clubs that replace managers after poor starts, underscoring baseball’s quick-draw approach to leadership throughout the league.

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Phillies Fire Thomson

The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday after a 9-19 start.
Thomson said the team was 29th in batting (.219, OPS .656) and 30th in ERA (5.80).
He left after four straight playoff trips, matching Charlie Manuel as the only Phillies managers with that record, and said he is open to a special-assistant role.

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