Phillies’ Don Mattingly Sends Braves Message As Hated Rival Falters
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- Sports Money Phillies’ Don Mattingly Sends Braves Message As Hated Rival Falters By Peter Chawaga,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Manager Don Mattingly #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies waits in the dugout for the start of a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Sports Money Phillies’ Don Mattingly Sends Braves Message As Hated Rival Falters By Peter Chawaga,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow Author Jul 01, 2026, 07:00pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary The Philadelphia Phillies have engineered a remarkable turnaround after a disastrous 2026 season start, rapidly closing the gap on the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. The Braves, who held a commanding 10.5-game lead as late as May 22nd, have recently faltered, going 3-9, allowing their division rival to chip away at the deficit. Phillies skipper Don Mattingly emphasizes focusing on his team's incremental progress, stating his priority was getting the Phillies to .500, then five, ten, and fifteen games over, rather than directly tracking Atlanta. This strategic focus, combined with the Braves' struggles, has transformed what seemed like a settled division into a captivating race as the season enters its second half.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Manager Don Mattingly #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies waits in the dugout for the start of a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)Getty ImagesJust a few weeks ago, the Philadelphia Phillies appeared to be playing for little more than respectability after a disastrous start to the 2026 season.