Bryce Harper Comments on Phillies' Turnaround Under Don Mattingly

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 5, 2026 3:42 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are slowly turning things around after their 9-19 record to begin the 2026 MLB season. Their poor start, which also featured a 10-game losing streak, led to the firing of manager Rob Thomson, who was eventually replaced by Don Mattingly.

Since the transition, the Phillies have gone 6-1 and are 15-20 going into their Tuesday matchup against the Athletics. While a managerial change can provide teams with a spark, Bryce Harper has been a big reason for Philadelphia's newfound success.

He's appeared in all 35 games, accumulating 35 hits, 19 runs scored, seven home runs, 20 RBIs, 19 walks and two stolen bases. The eight-time All-Star is also slashing .271/.362/.519 with a .881 OPS.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3).© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

As the Phillies strive to turn things around and work toward a fifth straight postseason appearance, the job is far from over. With Mattingly helping to inject some life into Philadelphia, Harper is aware it's a long process ahead.

"April’s behind us," Harper said, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. "We’ve got to step forward and understand that we’re stacking days and playing better and just keep it going, no matter where we’re at, what’s happening in the game or anything. Just stack the days and be where we want to be at the end.”

Bryce Harper, on the Phillies’ 6-1 record since Don Mattingly replaced Rob Thomson:

“I think we were all just waiting for that ball to drop, waiting for something to happen. If Topper was going to get fired or he wasn’t, it was just kind of, 'We need to get over this hump and…
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) May 5, 2026

Mattingly has had success as a manager. From 2011 to 2015, he led the Los Angeles Dodgers to five straight winning seasons and three postseason appearances. However, he then struggled during his seven years with the Marlins (2016 to 2022). His sole winning season with the team came in 2020.

The Phillies are now the third team he's had control of, and he is finding early success. As Harper alluded to, though, remaining consistent is key to steering Philadelphia back into contention. Going into their Tuesday matchup, they're still fourth in the NL East.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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