Don Mattingly was appointed interim manager of the Philadelphia Phillies on Apr. 28 following the dismissal of Rob Thomson, according to statements made before the team’s game against the Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mattingly said he had not planned to manage again but accepted when asked by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
The change comes as the Phillies aim to improve their performance after a slow start to the season. The team, which is a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League according to the official website, has struggled with a 9-19 record prior to this move. Mattingly repeatedly used the phrase “better baseball” in his first public comments and emphasized returning to higher standards.
During Tuesday’s game, pitcher Jesús Luzardo delivered seven scoreless innings and became the first Phillies pitcher this season to complete seven innings. Offensive contributions included doubles from Bryce Harper, Adolis García, and Alec Bohm—who entered with one of the lowest OPS figures in Major League Baseball—and Trea Turner achieved his first four-hit game of the season.
Players acknowledged mixed emotions about Thomson’s departure. Turner said, “It’s tough, man… But sometimes change could be a good thing, and hopefully we roll with it and play a lot better baseball.” Luzardo also remarked on experiencing an in-season managerial change for the first time. Kyle Schwarber reflected on Thomson’s impact: “I think that he should be remembered for a lot of great things that went on here… So we feel awful.” Mattingly discussed similar experiences from his playing career with nine different managers over fourteen years.
The Phillies play home games at Citizens Bank Park—a stadium they have used since 2004 according to their official website. The franchise represents Philadelphia in Major League Baseball and engages fans through both games and community outreach as reported by their official site. Their front office is led by executives including chief executive officer and general manager who oversee operations according to team information.
Reflecting on past comebacks as both player and manager—including turning around struggling teams—Mattingly said, “We have that kind of talent.” The Phillies have previously won World Series titles in 1980 and 2008 according to their official history, serving both local fans in Philadelphia and those across wider regions nationally.
