With the Philadelphia Phillies having their worst start in more than 20 years, the franchise made the move Tuesday to fire their manager, Rob Thomson.
Managing the Phillies organization to four consecutive appearances in the postseason, which features a berth in the 2022 World Series, Thompson being let go will see Don Mattingly become interim manager. Mattingly will hold the position for the rest of the 2026 season. (RELATED: LIV Golf Reportedly Postpones New Orleans Tournament After CEO Declared Season Would Continue ‘Full Throttle’)
In spring training, Philadelphia were the favorites to win the NL East. Now at the end of April, the team sits at 9-19 and have been on the losing side 11 times in their last 12 contests. Going into Tuesday, the Phillies are in a tie with the New York Mets for the worst record in MLB.
For the 2026 season, Philadelphia had a projected payroll of a little more than $315 million, but despite that, the franchise is having their worst 28-game beginning to a campaign since 2002. Then, they also had a 9-19 start.
The Phillies have relieved Rob Thomson of his duties as manager. pic.twitter.com/Jp523BrbV5
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 28, 2026
As manager of the Phillies, Thomson compiled a 355-270 record, leading an expensive roster that includes stars such as first baseman Bryce Harper, shortstop Trea Turner and left fielder Kyle Schwarber to back-to-back NL East championships.
Thomson, 62, is a baseball lifer that ultimately led to the Philadelphia managerial job in 2022. In the offseason, he inked a contract extension with the organization through 2027, and was once again anticipated to make a charge towards the World Series with the Phillies.
It was also announced Tuesday by the Phillies that Dusty Wathan, the third-base coach, was given a promotion to bench coach.
Thomson is now the second manager to be fired in Major League Baseball in the 2026 season following the Boston Red Sox ousting Alex Cora and five coaches Saturday.