Phillies’ Don Mattingly Revisits ‘Abandoned’ Rob Thomson Outfield Change

BusinessSportsMoneyPhillies’ Don Mattingly Revisits ‘Abandoned’ Rob Thomson Outfield ChangeByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 10, 2026, 04:47pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Interim Manager Don Mattingly #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies speaks to the media prior to the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Derik Hamilton/MLB Photos via Getty Images)MLB Photos via Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies earned a shutout victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, winning their fourth consecutive series since a major change at the helm.With their season spiraling out of control, the Phillies replaced long-time manager Rob Thomson with bench coach Don Mattingly and the team instantly turned things around in the standings.“Suddenly, the starting pitching came in from the cold, the bats warmed and the defense went from lousy to pretty good,” NBC Philadelphia’s Jim Salibsury wrote. “And when the day ended Sunday, the Phillies had their 10th win in 13 games under Mattingly. They go into Monday’s planned (non-rainout) off day with a 19-22 record — not great, but not comatose, either — and lots and lots of season remaining.”ForbesYankees’ 25-Year-Old Outfield Prospect Leaves MLB Shortly After CutBy Peter ChawagaPhiladelphia Phillies Manager Don Mattingly Makes Outfield Change After Replacing Rob ThomsonMattingly and Thomson appear to have similar demeanors and the former New York Yankees’ first baseman said that he didn’t expect to change much as the interim manager, but to offer a different voice. And, evidently, that has been enough to power at least a temporary turnaround, though Mattingly has made s...