Don Mattingly Named Phillies Interim Manager After Rob Thomson’s Firing
Published: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies made a seismic change to their dugout leadership Tuesday, dismissing manager Rob Thomson and naming Don Mattingly as interim manager effective immediately. The move comes as the Phillies sit at 12-15 through their first 27 games of the 2026 season, marking their worst start since 2017.
The Decision
In an official news release posted to MLB.com/Phillies, the organization confirmed Thomson’s departure after parts of three seasons at the helm. Thomson, who took over as interim manager in June 2022 before being named full-time manager that October, leaves with a 226-184 record (.551 winning percentage) and two playoff appearances, including a 2022 World Series berth.
“This was not an uncomplicated decision, but we believe it’s necessary to change direction at this critical point in our season,” said Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly in the release. The younger Mattingly, who joined the organization in November 2024, now finds himself working directly with his father in a major-league dugout for the first time in their careers.
Mattingly’s Immediate Challenge
Don Mattingly, 65, brings nearly four decades of baseball experience to the role, including six seasons as Los Angeles Dodgers manager (2011-2015) and five seasons managing the Miami Marlins (2016-2020). His career managerial record stands at 527-524 (.501), with one playoff appearance (2020 NLDS with Miami).
The Phillies roster features several veterans who have played under Mattingly:
- Kyle Schwarber (played for Mattingly in Washington, 2020)
- Aaron Nola (faced Mattingly’s Marlins 27 times as opponent)
- Trea Turner (played for Mattingly in Washington, 2020-2021)
“Donnie Baseball knows how to handle a clubhouse,” said Schwarber, referencing Mattingly’s nickname from his playing days. “He’s been in this league forever and understands what it takes to win now.”
Schedule Implications
Mattingly’s first game as Phillies interim manager comes Tuesday night at 6:40 p.m. EDT (22:40 UTC) against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies have four games remaining in this homestand before embarking on a six-game road trip to Miami and Atlanta.
The team’s official schedule shows the following upcoming series:
| Date | Opponent | Time (EDT) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 28 | San Francisco Giants | 6:40 p.m. | Citizens Bank Park |
| April 29 | San Francisco Giants | 6:40 p.m. | Citizens Bank Park |
| April 30 | San Francisco Giants | 1:05 p.m. | Citizens Bank Park |
| May 1 | @ Miami Marlins | 7:10 p.m. | LoanDepot Park |
| May 2 | @ Miami Marlins | 4:10 p.m. | LoanDepot Park |
What’s Next for the Phillies
The organization has not announced a timeline for naming a permanent manager, stating only that they will “evaluate all options” during the interim period. Several factors will likely influence their decision:
- Playoff Race: The Phillies entered Tuesday 4.5 games behind the NL East-leading New York Mets (17-11). The division race remains tight, with four teams within six games of first place.
- Roster Construction: The Phillies boast one of baseball’s most expensive rosters, with $278 million committed to 25 players in 2026. Key contributors like Bryce Harper (recovering from offseason elbow surgery) and Zack Wheeler (on the 15-day injured list with shoulder soreness) are expected to return in May.
- Prospect Pipeline: The team recently promoted top prospect Jackson McFarlane, who made his MLB debut on April 24. Other highly ranked prospects like Andrew Painter (No. 4) and Mick Abel (No. 7) continue developing in the minors.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate Impact: Mattingly becomes the Phillies’ third manager since 2020, following Joe Girardi and Rob Thomson.
- Family Connection: This marks the first time Preston and Don Mattingly will work together in a major-league dugout.
- Playoff Urgency: With 135 games remaining, every series becomes critical in the NL East race.
- Veteran Leadership: Mattingly inherits a clubhouse with 11 players age 30 or older, including six with 10+ years of MLB service time.
- Defensive Struggles: The Phillies entered Tuesday ranked 22nd in MLB with 23 errors, including 12 in their last 10 games.
How to Follow the Story
For official updates, fans should monitor:
- MLB.com/Phillies (official team website)
- MLB.com News (league transactions)
- Phillies official social media channels (@Phillies on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
Mattingly’s first press conference as interim manager is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies next take the field Thursday at 7:10 p.m. EDT against the Miami Marlins.
What do you believe of the managerial change? Will Mattingly’s experience help stabilize the Phillies’ season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
