Phillies’ Don Mattingly Offers 3-Word Response On Ignoring Bryce Harper Plea

BusinessSportsMoneyPhillies’ Don Mattingly Offers 3-Word Response On Ignoring Bryce Harper PleaByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 07, 2026, 10:37am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on in the dugout before a game against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park on May 06, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies earned their fourth win in a row on Wednesday, giving the team an 8-1 record since replacing long-time manager Rob Thomson with bench coach Don Mattingly.But had Mattingly listened to his franchise slugger’s plea for a lineup change after he took over, the team might have lost their latest game.ForbesRed Sox Sign 27-Year-Old Southpaw After Cut From NL ContenderBy Peter ChawagaPhiladelphia Phillies Slugger Bryce Harper Sends Lineup Request To Don MattinglyOn Tuesday, Bryce Harper appealed to the new manager in some comments to the media when he praised teammate Bryson Stott, who logged two hits, a home run and two RBI in that game. Under Thomson, Stott was routinely benched against left-handed pitchers and Harper felt the breakout performance was evidence that the Phillies should put him in the starting lineup more regularly.“He’s an everyday player, and when you have a guy that needs to play every day, whether it’s a lefty or righty (pitcher), it doesn’t matter,” Harper said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Cole Weintraub. “When you take an everyday guy out of the lineup, it’s tougher to get it going each day. You guys have seen that over the past couple of days. I hope he (continues to get) that chance.”But when the lineup for the Phillies’ next game was revealed, it was apparen...