Phillies add Carlos Mendoza as Mattingly calls for faster play

The Phillies have hired former Mets manager Carlos Mendoza as their third-base and infield coach, filling one of two openings on Don Mattingly’s staff. Philadelphia is still searching for a hitting coach after dismissing Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson.

At Thursday’s news conference, Mattingly said he wants the Phillies to make better use of their speed and put more work into defense and baserunning during his first full Spring Training as manager. He pointed to their 21-7 August as an example of the offense controlling the strike zone and creating chances without relying entirely on home runs, Todd Zolecki reported for MLB.com.

Zolecki’s Thursday coaching announcement confirmed Mendoza’s two roles.

Ty Daubert reported for Phillies Nation that Anthony Contreras will remain on the staff, although his role has not been settled. Mattingly said the front office had identified Mendoza as a candidate and praised his defensive experience and communication. The hitting-coach search remains open.

Wednesday’s managerial announcement

The Phillies announced Mattingly’s two-year contract for 2027 and 2028 on Wednesday. Their official announcement removed the interim label he had carried since replacing Rob Thomson on April 28. MLB.com’s appointment report described the club’s decision to bring him back.

Philadelphia went 79-55 under Mattingly and finished 88-74, then lost its Wild Card series to Atlanta. The Braves won the deciding game 6-2. Matt Snyder’s Wednesday report for CBS Sports covered the appointment, while ESPN’s report identified right field and the bullpen among the club’s offseason questions.