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.
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.
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.
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. Throughout the Phillies’ run under Mattingly, they have yet to face a left hander.
