Interim manager Don Mattingly is facing a major tactical challenge this weekend in Los Angeles. The Philadelphia Phillies opened a crucial series against the Los Angeles Dodgers but came up short in a 4–2 loss.
With a 29–28 record, Philadelphia is looking to rebound in the final two games after a dominant road sweep of the San Diego Padres earlier in the week. That surge has pushed the Phillies into second place in the National League East, marking a significant turnaround after a shaky start to the season.
Just last month, the team endured a brutal 10-game losing streak that ultimately led to the firing of manager Rob Thomson. Since Mattingly took over on an interim basis, the club has shown renewed energy and direction.
Before Friday’s first pitch, the Phillies announced a notable roster change. Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola was placed on the paternity list as he steps away to welcome his second child. Major League Baseball allows players up to three days of paternity leave. Nola last pitched Tuesday against San Diego, working six strong innings and earning the win.
Bullpen Reinforcements After Nola’s Absence
With Nola temporarily unavailable, Philadelphia emphasized the need for maximum pitching depth against a powerful Dodgers lineup. Navigating the hostile environment at Dodger Stadium requires fresh arms and bullpen flexibility.
To address that need, the Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The move provides an important boost to the middle relief group.
Hoffman, a 28-year-old sinkerballer, made his major league debut late last season and has been outstanding recently in the minors. Over his last 14 innings, he allowed just two runs. His sweeping slider gives him a useful weapon against right-handed hitters, making him a valuable matchup option against a deep Los Angeles lineup.
Despite an uneven 2026 campaign, Nola’s absence still leaves a leadership void. The veteran holds a 3–4 record with a 5.72 ERA and 56 strikeouts across 56.2 innings in 11 starts. Opposing hitters have found success against his fastball, and his curveball spin rate has declined since early April. The coaching staff continues to work on refining his breaking-ball command.
Guiding a Midseason Turnaround
This Phillies roster looks vastly different from the group that stumbled to a 9–19 start in April. Sluggish offense and blown late leads defined that stretch. Since taking over, Mattingly has reshaped the team’s identity by emphasizing aggressive baserunning, clearly defined bullpen roles, and deeper outings from the starting rotation.
Those adjustments have reduced strain on the bullpen and produced immediate results. The recent sweep in San Diego pushed Philadelphia back above the .500 mark.
While Atlanta maintains control of the division lead, the Phillies remain focused on stacking wins to stay firmly in the wild-card race.
Additional roster moves accompanied Friday’s pitching change. Speedy outfielder Steward Berroa was recalled from Triple-A, while utility player Otto Kemp was optioned back to the minors after hitting just .080 over his last 13 games. Berroa offers a late-game pinch-running threat, while Kemp will look to regain his timing with everyday at-bats.
Philadelphia will try to bounce back Saturday and build momentum over the weekend. Mattingly plans to lean heavily on his bullpen, while Nola is expected to rejoin the active roster early next week, targeting a Tuesday return. For now, baseball takes a brief backseat as the organization supports a meaningful family moment for one of its veterans.