Can New Phillies’ Manager Don Mattingly Get Offense Going?

Don Mattingly will take over as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies after Rob Thomson was fired.

The Phillies have started the season 10-19. Thompson was the second manager fired this season, with the Boston Red Sox firing Alex Cora a few days earlier.

Entering this season, the Phillies had the second-longest playoff streak in baseball, making the playoffs every season since 2022. Thompson was promoted to manager in the middle of the 2022 season after Joe Girardi was fired. However, the Phillies struggled to begin the season, the first time the team struggled under Thomson’s leadership.

The Phillies score the third-fewest runs per game. Their best hitter right now is Brandon Marsh, who has four home runs and 17 RBIs. Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner have all struggled this season.

They also have the third-highest team ERA. Cristopher Sanchez is the only starting pitcher with an ERA below 4.00. Jhoan Duran got off to an excellent start with a 1.35 ERA and five saves, but is currently on the IL with a left oblique strain.

There’s some optimism about their pitching staff, since Zack Wheeler will be returning from Tommy John surgery this season. However, the offense is mostly healthy, just not performing. 

Mattingly will need to find a way to get the Phillies hitting again. As a former American League MVP and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, he’s one of the most qualified people to try.

He was the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011 to 2015 and the Miami Marlins from 2016 to 2022. He won National League Manager of the Year with the Marlins in 2020. The Marlins ranked in the top 10 in offense despite not having many notable players. Brian Anderson was their best hitter with a 116 OPS+. The Marlins hit extremely well with runners in scoring position.