Mattingly Pushes Back on Harper’s Deadline Talk, Urges Phillies to Improve
Phillies manager Don Mattingly said Bryce Harper’s outspoken call for help at the trade deadline didn’t reflect the rest of the clubhouse and he dislikes the message, even as he isn’t angry with Harper. Mattingly emphasized the team should keep getting better and left it to Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski to pursue upgrades, noting there are six days before the deadline. He also indicated he won’t address the matter with Harper directly, instead focusing on improving their play internally.