Mattingly asked by Dodgers' Roberts to be on NL All-Star Game coaching staff

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies have their first of what they hope will be many All-Stars in next month's Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park.

Interim manager Don Mattingly confirmed prior to Sunday's game against the White Sox that he has been asked by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts -- who will be managing the National League for the 2026 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard -- to be a member of the NL coaching staff on July 14.

"Any time you can be involved," Mattingly said, "the All-Star Game obviously is an honor."

Mattingly would be joined by Cardinals manager Oli Marmol, who shared with reporters at Busch Stadium on Sunday that Roberts had also asked him to join the NL coaching staff. It will be Marmol’s first trip to the All-Star Game.

“As a kid, you grow up watching the Home Run Derby and you watch the All-Star Game, just all the festivities and everything that goes into it,” Marmol said. “All the best players in the world, all in one place at the same time, man. So it’s cool to be invited and be able to represent the organization and our families in that type of environment. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Of course, the All-Star Game is nothing new for Mattingly. He was a six-time All-Star during his 14-year playing career and was previously a member of Bruce Bochy's coaching staff for the NL at the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati.

Asked about his favorite All-Star memory, Mattingly pointed to the 1984 All-Star Game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

"Rod Carew was on that team -- he was kind of the guy I watched as a kid, kind of patterned my hitting after," Mattingly said. "And Rod signed a bat for me and brought it to me. So probably just making that first one and having Rod reach out."

As for the 2026 All-Star Game, the Phillies have a chance to create some special memories of their own as they host the Midsummer Classic for the first time since 1996.

There is certainly no shortage of potential All-Star candidates on a Phillies team that has the MLB home run leader (Kyle Schwarber, 23), ERA leader (Cristopher Sánchez, 1.46) and batting leader (Brandon Marsh, .335) entering play Sunday. There's also closer Jhoan Duran (15 saves, 1.31 ERA) and perennial All-Star candidates Zack Wheeler (5-1, 2.31 ERA in eight starts) and Bryce Harper (.866 OPS, 14 home runs).

All-Star voting is officially underway, meaning fans can cast a 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot as many as five times per every 24-hour period. To vote, click here.

"Obviously, the All-Star Game is a big deal," Mattingly said. "It's kind of like an awards show almost for MLB, right? It showcases your players and your game throughout the whole country, and on a big stage. So I think it's great, and it actually gives a chance for Philly to showcase, so it'd be great."