TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 8: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on against the Los Angeles Angels in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies have recovered to a neutral record after a brutal start to the season.
After falling into a deep hole in the standings, the Phillies fired long-time manager Rob Thomson and promoted bench coach Don Mattingly to lead the team. Since then, the Phillies have performed much better and it’s clear that the shakeup at the top has made a positive difference.
“Philadelphia has responded to the change,” the Associated Press reported. “The Phillies are back to .500 (23-23) for the first time since April 13 after taking the first two games in Pittsburgh, including a thrilling 11-9 10-inning comeback win on Friday night.”
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Whether Mattingly’s changes are practical or merely the introduction of a new voice with similar temperament and philosophy, he has clearly been a positive influence on the team. And no player has benefited more than franchise slugger Bryce Harper, who was openly challenged by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski shortly after last season.
In 2025, Harper slashed .261/.357/.487, one of the worst lines of his career. But so far in this season, Harper’s averages are up to .282/.372/.534, and it’s starting to seem as if he will be a lock to represent Philadelphia as they host the All-Star game this season.
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“Two months from Philly’s All-Star Game, Harper is on track to be the main attraction,” Scott Lauber reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “The Showman at the center of baseball’s midsummer show.”
And as Harper enjoys his All-Star surge, he sent a message about Mattingly, who was a six-time All-Star with the New York Yankees, that suggested the manager change has paid off.
“I think one thing that Donnie has told me a lot is just (the importance of) protecting yourself,” Harper explained, per Lauber. “Just not really worrying about other guys around you. Whatever happens, happens.”
ForbesPhillies 5-Year Veteran Cut From New Team’s Roster Shortly After DebutBy Peter ChawagaAnd Mattingly, who served as the Toronto Blue Jays’ bench coach during last year’s World Series run, explained that he learned from the performance of his former team’s slugger.
“We didn’t really have a true four-hole guy behind him, and I remember the year before he was chasing a lot, trying to do it, trying to be that guy,” Mattingly told Lauber regarding Blue Jays’ first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. “But last year, Vlad started taking his walks, and then they started pitching to him. It forces them to throw you strikes.”
Guerrero enjoyed the best season of his career as Mattingly and the team made a deep postseason run last year. And the Phillies are hoping for the same results with Harper.
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