Phillies stars backing Rob Thomson might not sit well with fans after early NLDS exit

The Philadelphia Phillies roster is backing manager Rob Thomson. Yet the fan base has no patience following the 2-1 loss in 11 innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLDS, which eliminated the Phillies from playoff contention. They lost in four games in the NLDS for the second consecutive year.

Doubts around Thomson's future as the Phillies' manager began to surface in the media following the club's loss of both home games of the series to the Dodgers. Thomson had questionable decision-making (subscription required), which contributed to Philadelphia going to Los Angeles for Game 3 down 2-0 in the series.

Bryce Harper, Trea Turner voiced support for Phillies manager Rob Thomson

Phillies players expressed support for Thomson on Thursday following their elimination from the postseason. There are current doldrums with the organization and the fans. It is significant to recall that the team responded well when Thomson became the interim manager following Joe Girardi's firing during the 2022 season. However, that was three years ago, and the Phillies have underachieved in the playoffs since.

Bryce Harper was asked if he thinks Thomson is the right manager to continue to lead the Phillies moving forward.

"I love Topper, he's done a great job for us," Harper said. "I don't know what the future holds; I have no idea. I think that's a [Dave] Dombrowski question, but obviously we love Topper in here and he's been great for us, but like I said, that's a Dombrowski question."

Trea Turner echoed a similar sentiment in support of the Phillies skipper when asked about Thomson's future with the organization.

"[Thomson's] been great, man. I've been blessed with a lot of good managers in my career," Turner told reporters. "I've probably played for four or five, and they've been really good, and he's right up there with them. He's got all the qualities, he keeps it even keel all year long. Like I said yesterday, he blends the old school, new school, he's willing to adapt and change, and do different things, and I don't think we could ask for more. We have a good manager."

The fan base and media still have a voice and want the club to be held accountable for another solid regular season that ended in the playoffs much sooner than anticipated. The Phillies need to make significant changes to the club this offseason. The way the roster is constructed isn't working. Whether Thomson needs to be replaced is a legitimate question for the front office and managing partner John Middleton to consider.