CINCINNATI — Don Mattingly has shown a keen interest in stepping back into the role of manager for the Philadelphia Phillies next season, should the opportunity arise from the team’s management.
In a conversation with ESPN ahead of a Wednesday night game, which resulted in an 11-5 defeat against the Cincinnati Reds, Mattingly remarked, “I’d certainly be open to it. I took on a two-year commitment with the Phillies when I joined. So it really depends on what direction (president of baseball operations) Dave (Dombrowski) wants to head in.”
“Yeah, I think I’d enjoy continuing in the role,” he added.
Mattingly came on board with the Phillies in January, taking the position of bench coach following a similar tenure spanning three years with the Toronto Blue Jays. He assumed the position of interim manager on April 28 following the dismissal of Rob Thomson.
Before Mattingly took charge, Philadelphia had struggled to a 9-19 record under Thomson. Since Mattingly’s leadership, the team has performed impressively, posting a 43-22 record, which stands as the second-best in the major leagues during that timeframe.
The Phillies were 10 ¹/₂ games behind Atlanta in the NL East on May 22, but are just three back of the Braves as well as tied with Miami for the NL’s second wild-card spot.
Preston Mattingly — one of Don Mattingly’s four sons — is the Phillies’ general manager. It is believed to be the first father-son manager-GM duo in baseball history.