End the speculation — the Phillies won't be making a change at manager any time soon.
Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon prior to the team's game against the New York Mets, Phillies general manager Matt Klentak threw his full support behind manager Gabe Kapler, saying that despite the team's struggles he would not be firing Kapler anytime soon.
Klentak also said the entire coaching staff has his full support and he believes the team's recent struggles is just the result of a slump as opposed to an issue with the manager. Although Klentak did leave a little wiggle room in his statement, saying keeping Kapler is "the plan", it is clear he does not believe Kapler is the main reason the team is struggling.
Here is video of Klentak's full answer defending Kapler:
#Phillies GM Matt Klentak on if he's willing to give Gabe Kapler a vote of confidence for the rest of the year pic.twitter.com/7A1oQcl6vg
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) June 24, 2019Kapler has come under plenty of heat this past week, but it reached it's height on Sunday when his team was swept by the Miami Marlins. The latest loss was their seventh in a row, and dropped them to 2-11 in last 13 games. The result is the team is now 6.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, a division they have led the majority of the season. Kapler has also been under intense scrutiny for his decision to not bench Jean Segura, who now twice this month has failed to hustle out of the batter's box.
Considering the money ownership spent this offseason, it is safe to say what has happened so far this season is not what either the team owners or the fans had in mind, especially after the addition of Bryce Harper.
If the struggles continue and the Phillies don't make the playoffs, it is safe to say that there will be jobs lost this offseason — likely starting with Kapler.
But for now, the manager is safe.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
