Under interim manager Don Mattingly, the Philadelphia Phillies have done an impressive job turning their season around. When Mattingly replaced Rob Thomson, the team was sitting at 9-19, tied for baseball’s worst record. Over the first 14 games with Mattingly at the helm, the Phillies went 11-4, improving to 20-23 by the time they faced the Boston Red Sox on May 14.
It’s been an encouraging turnaround. Under Mattingly, the team has shown progress in several areas most notably, starting pitchers lasting deeper into games, which has eased the burden on the bullpen.
However, one persistent issue from the Thomson era has carried over into Mattingly’s tenure: the team’s right-handed hitters continue to struggle against left-handed pitching.
Phillies need righty bats to deliver vs. lefties
As of May 14, the Phillies tied with the Texas Rangers ranked last in MLB for right-handed hitter OPS against lefties, at just .590. Over 276 plate appearances, Philadelphia’s righty batters have managed a paltry .203 average, with only seven home runs and 21 RBIs.
Given the right-handed talent in the lineup including Adolis García, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, and J.T. Realmuto the front office surely expected far better production. In general, hitting left-handed pitching has been a major challenge for the Phillies, and the underwhelming performance of that core four is a primary reason. The numbers would look even worse if not for García, who has posted a solid .262/.340/.476 slash line against lefties.
According to Baseball Reference, the league-average OPS in 2026 is .708. Only four Phillies players are above that mark against left-handed pitching: Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber, García, and Bryce Harper.
Changes may be needed if struggles continue
If the Phillies hope to climb back into playoff contention in the National League, this is an issue that must be addressed as the season progresses. How much longer can Mattingly keep writing Turner and Bohm into the lineup without making adjustments? The main problem is the lack of obvious internal replacements.
Utility infielder Edmundo Sosa has a .649 OPS against lefties, while Félix Reyes and Otto Kemp have been even less effective, with .474 and .369 marks, respectively. If the veteran hitters can’t find their rhythm soon, the Phillies may need to look outside the organization for help.
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