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Don Mattingly facing brutal trend after 7-1 start as Phillies manager
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- Don Mattingly facing brutal trend after 7-1 start as Phillies manager
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The Don Mattingly era has gotten off to a scorching start for the Philadelphia Phillies , as the team has gone 7-1 under his watch. However, they're now about to a face what has been an extremely difficult test.
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Throughout the Phillies' run under Mattingly , they have yet to face a left hander. Southpaws have not been kind to Philadelphia throughout the 2026 campaign, via Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Also, in starting 7-1 under Don Mattingly, the Phillies have not yet faced a left-handed starting pitcher," Lauber wrote. "That streak is set to end Wednesday night against A's lefty Jeffrey Springs . The Phillies are 0-10 vs. non-opener lefty starters."
When the Phillies fired Rob Thomson and turned to Mattingly, they were hoping to turn the page as an organization. Philadelphia is still 16-20 on the season, but they have begun to find their momentum. Ending their defeated streak against left-handers would show the Phillies are committed to improving as a team.
While they have only faced right-handers, Philadelphia's 7-1 run has been impressive. Over their last three games, they haven't allowed more than two earned runs. In two of those contest, the Phillies scored more than seven.
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How the Phillies decide to handled their long-term managerial vacancy is yet to be seen. But so far, Mattingly has guided the ship nearly perfectly for Philadelphia. The Phillies will face plenty of left-handers throughout the rest of their 2026 campaign, meaning Wednesday's matchup isn't a must-win by any means. But it would at least further show that Philadelphia is ready to shake off their early season cobwebs.
Related: Phillies' Bryce Harper breathes a sigh of relief after Zack Gelof nearly robs HR
Related: Phillies bullpen 'odd man out' revealed ahead of Jhoan Duran's injury return
