MILWAUKEE — The Philadelphia Phillies’ recent surge came too late to save manager Rob Thomson’s job, as the team’s improvement only accelerated after his dismissal in late April. Thomson, 62, was replaced by Don Mattingly following a 9-19 start to the 2026 season. Since then, the Phillies have posted a 33-17 record under Mattingly’s leadership.

Despite the turnaround, the timing of Thomson’s firing remains a subject of debate. Thomson, who holds the highest winning percentage (.568) of any Phillies manager since 1908, had predicted the team would eventually heat up. He expressed no bitterness about the decision and continues to follow the team closely. “When you have built relationships and been through the things that this group has been through, you don’t stop cheering for them,” Thomson said via text.

Philadelphia’s challenging early schedule contributed to the slow start. Before the managerial change, the Phillies had faced 13 games against strong opponents, including the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, going 2-11 during that stretch including a 10-game losing streak. The timing of the change coincided with a more favorable schedule of 22 consecutive games against teams at or below .500, as well as the return of ace pitcher Zack Wheeler from thoracic outlet surgery.

Team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski justified the decision, citing underperformance and a lack of urgency both on the field and in managerial decisions, especially regarding the bullpen. The Phillies endured progressively earlier playoff exits over four seasons under Thomson, culminating in disappointment in 2025. “Sometimes my experience is that clubs respond to a different voice,” Dombrowski said, acknowledging the team’s poor performance despite the players’ efforts.

The move was anticipated within the clubhouse, with players acknowledging responsibility for the disappointing start. Catcher J.T. Realmuto recalled Mattingly telling the team, “This is on you guys” when he assumed managerial duties. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber expressed regret to Thomson after the firing, and first baseman Bryce Harper emphasized that the blame rested with players rather than Thomson.

Mattingly, 61, originally joined the Phillies as bench coach in January without plans to manage again after 13 years as a major league manager with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. However, following Thomson’s dismissal, Mattingly stepped into the role on an interim basis. He noted the importance of time and trust in turning the team around and credited the roster’s talent for the recent success. His relationship with Thomson spans decades, and he expressed regret over Thomson’s firing.

Despite the recent improvement, the Phillies face ongoing challenges. The roster contains nearly $35 million in dead salary commitments and features one of the oldest major league hitting groups. Key free-agent acquisition Adolis García suffered a season-ending injury, and the outfield remains one of the least productive units in baseball. Additionally, the farm system has struggled to develop young players at a pace comparable to elite organizations like the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While the managerial change appears to have reignited the team’s performance, the Phillies still must address roster construction and depth as they aim to contend in the postseason. For Thomson, the turnaround arrived too late to preserve his role, but the club’s trajectory under Mattingly offers hope for sustained competitiveness moving forward.