Just a couple days ago were we discussing Alex Cora’s dismissal from the Boston Red Sox. Interestingly enough, Philadelphia was reportedly ready to bring Cora on board before his polite decline. Regardless, Rob Thomson was fired by the Philadelphia Phillies in his fifth season on April 28, 2026. After his first year as interim manager led to a World Series appearance in 2022, Thomson would have three more successful years. Each of these seasons included 90+ wins and post-wildcard playoff appearances. The last time either of these had occurred in the franchise dates back to 2011.

While the Phillies have played some good baseball under the likes of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos, the team hasn’t been able to get the job done in Thomson’s time. This year especially has the team looked like a ghost of its prior self. The solution? It seems to be a former MVP, bench coach, and manager in Don Mattingly.

The New York Yankees legend spent a lot of post-career with the team as a coach, while enjoying the last couple years with the Toronto Blue Jays before transitioning to Philadelphia for 2026. More importantly, the new manager spent six seasons with the Marlins from 2016 to 2022 as *their* manager. Sadly the most productive season came during COVID, concluding in a 31-29 record that led to Mattingly’s only playoff apperance. Yet the front office liked the former player’s resumé enough to officially promote him to interim manager.

Once the Phillies looked unrecognizable in the worst way possible at 9-19, Thomson was released. With Mattingly taking over, Philly has completely turned things around thus far to a 29-27 record. What have they developed for strengths and where do they still struggle? Let’s get into it.

The First 28…

As we’ve stated, the Phillies came into this year with high expectations yet again. Their horse in this year’s World Series race however hardly made it out of the starting gate. Unlike the Red Sox, injuries don’t leave a mark here at all.

Three of four Injured List trips belongs to the bullpen. This obviously highlights relief depth as their weakness. However the injured Zach Pop, Max Lazar, and Kyle Backhus have combined for a WAR (Wins Above Replacement player) of 0.5 this year. For reference, Starting Pitcher Andrew Painter currently holds a WAR of 0.4. Why do I mention this? Well, Painter’s Earned Run Average (ERA) is a lowly 5.4, while his record currently sits at 1-5.

The fourth IL spot belonged to Catcher J.T. Realmuto, who has missed a total of 20 games out of a possible 55. While Realmuto fills an important role and holds veteran status, the former three-time All-Star is near the end of his career at 35 years old. The statistics clearly show as much too.

While Philly achieved a four game win streak eight games into the season, the Phillies would only go on to win four of their next twenty games afterwards. A major key is the starting rotation missing the injured Zack Wheeler, instead including Taijuan Walker. For an idea of Walker’s performance this year, consider his -0.7 WAR, 9.13 ERA through five games, and roster spot now belonging to someone else. Yes, Walker was released after being tagged for a loss in all four games he started. (Finishing this year in Philly 1-4.)

And The Next 27!

Mattingly’s first game on April 28th was only the Phillies’ second win since the 14th, which had included a ten game slide against the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. This was followed by Philadelphia immediately sweeping the San Francisco Giants, and subsequently winning every series but two. One may argue the strength of schedule being easier, and they would have a point. I for one would be happy to play Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates all in a row. However for a team as recently powerful to make a statement and return to competition? It boosts morale, confidence, and makes a point to Mattingly’s ability to turn them around.

Talent Taking Over the Mound

In the 28 games it took the Phillies to win nine under Thomson, Mattingly achieved this in only 11. The aforementioned Zack Wheeler made his season debut April 25th and continues to impress even at age 36. Rocking a 1.67 ERA through six games, the long-time pro is on pace for a third straight season under 3.00. This goes without mentioning the #1 starter in the rotation, Christopher Sánchez. After a giant breakout season that led to second place in the CY Young race, Sánchez is also on pace to lead the entire league in WAR for the second straight year according to Pro Sports Reference.

The sixth-year Philly also holds second place in ERA with 1.48, strikeouts with 95, and a three-way tie for first in Quality Starts this year. After three and a half successul years of full-time closing for the Minnesota Twins, closer Jhoan Duran still has ability to lock down. The high-velocity thrower is on pace for 32 saves while sporting a 1.62 ERA. Striking out 26 batters in 16 innings, Duran can also boast of only allowing one Home Run (HR) thus far.

Don’t Forget The Bats

Excelling pitching aside, the offense has heated up under the helm of two stars. Designated Hitter Kyle Schwarber seems to be in a season-long race to lead the league in HRs, (currently at 21) while future Hall of Famer Bryce Harper continues to serve as an all-around talent. 13 HRs, four Stolen bases, and an On-Base Percentage of 36.7%, Harper continues to cornerstone this team. He’s also the only Philly to play in every game this year. Fans should keep an eye on Outfielder Brandon Marsh as well. Though he’s currently nursing a minor finger injury and bats in the second half of the lineup, Marsh sits in the top three leaders of Batting Average in the entire league. With all this in mind, the Phillies sit 24th in runs scored.

Conclusion – Where Does Philly Go Now?

Climbing out of the trenches, the Phillies will enter Friday night’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at 29-27. As of Thursday morning, the 28th, this puts them half a game ahead of the Washington Nationals for second place in the N.L. East. As their middling record would suggest, this puts Philadelphia in ninth place in the National League. Oddly enough, this would put them fourth in the American League. Nonetheless, Mattingly’s squad has a ways to go before catching up to the blazing-hot, divisional Atlanta Braves.

If the team can keep going at their current rate with perhaps improvement from the likes of Shortstop Trea Turner, Staring Pitchers Aaron Nola and Jesús Luzardo, and maybe J.T. Realmuto again, the Phillies can absolutely take the division. They’re already starting to resume their old selves and have clearly put the rocky start behind them.

As was the case with Boston, the season is still relatively young with over half the season left to go. Compared to the Red Sox, Philly is clearly on a better trajectory however. Assuming they stay on a similar path, this will speak volumes about potential careers for Don Mattingly. After the stint in Miami ended in 2022, the seasoned Mattingly has shown there is still some fuel left in the tank at 65 years old. Whether he becomes Philly’s permanent or not, it’s likely we’ll see him managing again in 2027. After all, few expected the Toronto Blue Jays to make a World Series appearance last year, and it’s known Mattingly had an impact on that team. Until we get to 2027, it’s time to step back and witness how he carries on the rest of the year in Philadelphia.