Phillies Conclude Managerial Search by Promoting Don Mattingly

The Philadelphia Phillies have finalized their managerial search by promoting interim manager Don Mattingly to the permanent position. This decision was made on Wednesday following their interest in various candidates, including former Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

During the search, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski sought permission to contact Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, both former players. Utley, currently a special assistant with the Dodgers, declined the opportunity, citing family commitments. Ibanez, who has held various roles since retiring in 2014, considered the position but ultimately decided to remain with the Dodgers.

Mattingly took over the team on April 28 and led them to a record of 79-55, contributing to the Phillies' fifth consecutive playoff appearance. However, the team was eliminated in the Wild Card series by the Atlanta Braves.