Phillies’ Dombrowski Backs Thomson Amid Struggles and Early-Season Skid

The Philadelphia Phillies are grappling with a rough start to the 2026 season, currently holding the second-worst record in the National League. Their struggles have been somewhat overshadowed by the New York Mets’ own dismal streak of 12 consecutive losses, but the Phillies are not far behind, having lost seven straight games themselves. With a record of 8-15, the team finds itself in a precarious position, third-to-last in Major League Baseball in both runs scored and ERA.

Despite the grim outlook, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski remains optimistic. “I’m not worried about the hole,” he stated in Chicago before the team’s latest defeat, a 7-4 loss to the Cubs. Drawing on his extensive experience in the game, Dombrowski recalled the 1983 season when he was part of the Chicago White Sox front office. That team started with a 16-24 record but went on to win 99 games and the AL West title. He noted, “I’ve been with clubs in much worse holes than this that have won divisions. It’s that we need to play better, and that’s where it goes. Nothing miraculous happens; you just have to go out and play better.”

Amid the team’s struggles, speculation has arisen regarding the job security of manager Rob Thomson. Dombrowski dismissed these rumors, emphasizing his confidence in Thomson, who took over in 2022 and led the Phillies to their first World Series appearance since 2009. Under Thomson’s leadership, the team achieved three consecutive seasons with over 90 wins and secured back-to-back NL East titles in 2024 and 2025. However, recent playoff exits have raised questions about his future, especially given the pressure Dombrowski faces to deliver a championship with an aging roster.

In December, the Phillies extended Thomson’s contract through the 2027 season, and for now, his position appears secure. “Rob Thomson’s been a good manager for us since 2022,” Dombrowski remarked. He acknowledged that while the team is underperforming, evaluations of the season typically begin after around 40 games. “They’re not happy with their performances. Shoot, I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going,” he added.

Dombrowski expressed frustration over the team’s offensive struggles, noting that they are just 2-11 in their last 13 games, including three shutouts. Key players in the lineup such as Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Adolis García have struggled significantly, contributing to the team’s overall lack of offensive production. Dombrowski stated, “We just haven’t played very well, really in every portion of our game. There have been some individual players that have done well, but as a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled.” Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that the Phillies will find their rhythm and that Thomson is the right manager to guide them through this challenging stretch.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.