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Phillies Manager Issues Strong Response on Coaching Staff Amid Season Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 10:42 AM ET

It was a much-needed win Monday night for the Philadelphia Phillies, who used a two-run bottom of the 11th inning to edge the Chicago Cubs, 4-3.

After the Cubs took the lead in the top of the 11th, the Phillies responded with clutch at-bats. J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, Otto Kemp and Brandon Marsh all delivered singles before an out was recorded, sealing the walk-off victory.

The win snapped a frustrating five-game losing streak for Philadelphia, a stretch during which they managed just eight total runs.

That recent slump sparked frustration from fans, some calling for changes on the coaching staff. Manager Rob Thomson addressed the criticism pregame, specifically defending hitting coach Kevin Long.

“I think Kevin is the best hitting coach in baseball.”

Rob Thomson: “I think Kevin is the best hitting coach in baseball.”

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/ttUXAt50Ag
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) June 9, 2025

Long has been coaching in Major League Baseball since 2008, beginning with the New York Yankees. Before his MLB coaching career, he played at the University of Arizona and was part of the 1986 Wildcats team that won the NCAA Tournament. He still holds Arizona’s record for most extra-base hits in a game with five.

As a coach, Long has helped guide teams to two World Series championships, first in 2009 with the Yankees and then in 2019 with the Washington Nationals. He joined the Phillies in October 2021 under manager Joe Girardi. When Girardi was fired in June 2022, Long remained on staff.

The Phillies' lineup has been inconsistent, partly due to injuries. Star slugger Bryce Harper missed seven games this season, including since June 5, with a wrist injury. Even when healthy, he’s batting just .258 on the year.

Catcher Realmuto also struggled, hitting just .228. As a team, the Phillies rank 8th in MLB with a .253 batting average and sit 10th in total runs scored.

With Monday’s win, the Phillies are hoping to turn the page and build some momentum as the season heads into the summer stretch.

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

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