Phillies turn page against Giants, record first shutout win of season in first game since Rob Thomson's firing

Rob Thomson’s run as Philadelphia Phillies manager started and ended with midseason firings. In June 2022, he took over for Joe Girardi. Nearly four years later, Thomson fell victim to the same early-season fate as his predecessor despite enjoying significantly more success as the Phillies’ skipper.

Unfortunately for Thomson, that success came to a screeching halt this spring. After starting 6-4, Philadelphia unraveled. By the time he was relieved of his managerial duties on Tuesday, the Phillies were tied for MLB’s worst record at 9-19.

They improved to 10-19 hours later, and 1-0 under interim manager Don Mattingly, with a 7-0 win at home in their series opener against the San Francisco Giants. Mattingly’s promotion marked what’s believed to be the first time in MLB history that a father and son have held positions as a club’s manager and general manager. The Phillies’ GM is Don’s son, Preston.

The eldest Mattingly is tasked with reinvigorating a bunch that makes up the largest payroll in franchise history. They played a lot more like they’re worth versus the Giants (13-16), recording their first shutout win of the season. 'He took the fall today' Thomson had never managed an MLB game before he replaced Girardi during the 2022 campaign.