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Phillies bringing back Don Mattingly is a decision SF Giants and Dodgers know will backfire

With the Phillies set to bring Don Mattingly back as manager, both the SF Giants and Dodgers know his faults and why that decision is likely to backfire.

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 3:55 PM
Phillies bringing back Don Mattingly is a decision SF Giants and Dodgers know will backfire
Key Things to Know
  • Writer Nick San Miguel argues that retaining Don Mattingly as manager will ultimately backfire for the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • The Phillies decided to retain Mattingly after he went 79-55 as interim manager following Rob Thomson's firing.
  • San Miguel points to questionable bullpen usage and postseason pitching choices during Philadelphia's Wild Card loss to Atlanta.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced they will retain Don Mattingly as manager after he previously took over as interim manager following the firing of Rob Thomson. Writing for Around the Foghorn, Nick San Miguel argues that the decision will backfire, citing Mattingly's past playoff shortcomings and tactical missteps with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia.

Under Mattingly, the Phillies posted a 79-55 regular-season record and clinched a Wild Card spot before being eliminated by the Atlanta Braves. San Miguel highlights controversial postseason decisions, including overusing closer Jhoan Duran and starting Aaron Nola in Game 3, while noting Philadelphia retained Mattingly after target Alex Cora decided to take 2027 off.

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