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Bryce Harper calls for help as Phillies struggle, Mattingly responds

5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 2:47 AM

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Bryce Harper calls for help as Phillies struggle, Mattingly responds

Summary

Bryce Harper expressed a need for roster upgrades after the Phillies' loss to the Marlins on July 28. The team has struggled since the All-Star break, losing eight of 12 games. Interim manager Don Mattingly pushed back against Harper's public comments, suggesting it undermines the current roster. The Phillies face pressure ahead of the August 3 trade deadline to improve their performance. Mattingly emphasized the importance of supporting the players already on the team rather than indicating dissatisfaction with them.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports New York Post

Market Watch

•Harper said the Phillies need help before the trade deadline.
•The team has lost eight of their last 12 games.
•Mattingly defended the current players in response to Harper.
•Pressure is mounting as the August 3 trade deadline nears.
•Phillies aim to stay competitive in the postseason race.

Latest Updates

2:47 AMYahoo Sports — "Total Lack of Respect": MLB Analyst Tears Into 'Biased' Don Mattingly Over Bryce Harper Response
4:01 AMYahoo Sports — "Players Like Being GMs": Don Mattingly Makes Feelings Clear on Bryce Harper After He Calls for Major Changes
6:45 PMNew York Post — Don Mattingly not thrilled with Bryce Harper’s trade deadline comments - New York Post
5:31 PMYahoo Sports — Don Mattingly Not Happy With Bryce Harper's Latest Trade Deadline Comments
5:06 PMYahoo Sports — Bryce Harper's candid trade deadline comment gets pushback from Phillies' Don Mattingly

What they're saying

"
Bryce Harper has not been a favorite in the Philadelphia Phillies’ front office lately. Dating back to Dave Dombrowski’s comments last year that Harper was no longer “elite,” the clubhouse cold war may have added another chapter on Tuesday when Harper said the Phillies need help at the trade deadline.
— Yahoo Sports

"
The Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman, Bryce Harper, admitted that his team needed help at the trade deadline. Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say, as Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly publicly called him out for it.
— Yahoo Sports