Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly addressed comments made by Bryce Harper about needing reinforcements before the trade deadline. Harper spoke after Tuesday's 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins. Mattingly pushed back on the idea that the team should focus on external help.
Harper stated after the game at loanDepot park that the Phillies need some help and reinforcements before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline. He noted the team has done a good job overall this year but added that extra support would benefit them.
Mattingly, speaking before Wednesday's series finale against the Marlins, said he sensed Harper thinking about roster needs while others on the team were not. He described players wanting to act as general managers by making calls and spending other people's money.
The Phillies entered Wednesday at 57-51 and six games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. They are 3-8 since the All-Star break and sit in the second wild-card spot. Mattingly emphasized that the focus should remain on getting better with the current roster rather than signaling dissatisfaction with players.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and general manager Preston Mattingly are expected to pursue upgrades before the deadline.
