PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies plan to interview Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway as part of their managerial search.
A source Thursday confirmed the Phillies' intentions. Callaway could interview next week. The Cleveland Plain Dealer first reported that the Phillies asked the Indians for permission to meet with the coach.
Callaway, 42, has worked with Indians manager Terry Francona since 2013. Francona has touted Callaway as a future manager. The Indians had the best pitching staff in the Majors this season, with a 3.30 ERA. The Indians also ranked first in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.80) and second in WHIP (1.16). Their 1,614 strikeouts set a Major League record. But the Indians typically have had good pitching since Callaway arrived five seasons ago. In fact, their 3.64 ERA from 2013-17 ranks fourth in baseball.
The Phillies interviewed three internal candidates this week: Jorge Velandia, who is a special assistant to general manager Matt Klentak; Dusty Wathan, who is the Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager; and Juan Samuel, who has been a Phillies coach since 2011.
The Phillies hope to hire their new manager before the GM Meetings next month, although they could find one before the end of the month.