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Phillies Fire Thomson, Install Mattingly as Interim Manager

5/1/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Mattingly Named Interim

On April 30, 2026, the Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson and appointed Don Mattingly, 65, as interim manager.
The firing followed a 9-19 start that tied the New York Mets for the worst record, prompting GM Dave Dombrowski to say a new voice was needed.
After manager Alex Cora declined, the club installed Mattingly as interim manager and named Dusty Wathan bench coach and Chris Adamson Triple-A manager.

Summary

Cora Offered Job

Dombrowski offered Alex Cora the job less than 24 hours after Boston fired Cora.
Alex Cora, 50, remains under a three-year, $21.75 million Red Sox contract while talks with Philadelphia continue.
Thomson held a Zoom farewell call, said he understood Dombrowski’s due diligence, and indicated he might stay as a special assistant.
The Phillies “Hittin’ Season” podcast released an emergency episode dissecting the firing and next steps.

History

Historical Context

After the Red Sox’s 95-67 2003 season ended with a Game 7 ALCS loss, manager Grady Little was not retained. His decision to leave Pedro Martínez in the eighth inning—after 115 pitches—sparked criticism and prompted GM Theo Epstein to replace him with Terry Francona for 2004, echoing earlier ownership-driven managerial changes such as the 1988 firing of John McNamara.

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Mattingly Named Interim

On April 30, 2026, the Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson and appointed Don Mattingly, 65, as interim manager.
The firing followed a 9-19 start that tied the New York Mets for the worst record, prompting GM Dave Dombrowski to say a new voice was needed.
After manager Alex Cora declined, the club installed Mattingly as interim manager and named Dusty Wathan bench coach and Chris Adamson Triple-A manager.

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