Don Mattingly not thrilled with Bryce Harper's trade deadline comments
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Phillies manager Don Mattingly expressed discomfort with Bryce Harper publicly suggesting the team needs roster improvements, emphasizing that such comments imply dissatisfaction with current players.
- Harper, holding the largest contract in Phillies history, indicated the lineup is underperforming and could benefit from reinforcements, amid the team's struggles in offensive statistics and recent losses.
- Mattingly noted that while players often want to influence team decisions, the general managing should be left to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who has experience handling trades and acquisitions.
- The Phillies possess a strong pitching rotation but rely heavily on Harper and Kyle Schwarber for offensive production, highlighting the need for additional impactful hitters to compete for a World Series.
- Despite challenges in finding available potent bats on the market, Mattingly affirmed the team's commitment to improving the roster ahead of the trade deadline under Dombrowski's leadership.
