Rob Thomson basically fell asleep in the dugout as Jesus Luzardo imploded on the mound

Rob Thomson has always been considered a “players coach” while carrying a very chill presence in the dugout and honestly, it was what exactly what the Phillies needed after the corpse of Joe Girardi was fired back in 2022.

Girardi was joyless and made the dugout feel like a prison. Topper entered the fold and let the boys breathe and play loose while actually enjoying the game.

It worked for the first few years but now, it’s clear that Rob Thomson needs to change the vibe and last night was the latest example with Jesus Luzardo imploding on the mound.

After carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning, Jesus Luzardo issued four walks and a go-ahead grand slam that completely erased what was a 5-0 lead for the Phillies.

Romy Gonzalez gives the @RedSox the lead in grand style!

(MLB x @DairyQueen) pic.twitter.com/5pp5yUOETD

— MLB (@MLB) July 24, 2025

Three years later and Rob Thomson was basically asleep in the dugout last night, refusing to do anything when all hell was breaking loose on the diamond.

Sure, it would be great if Luzardo would stop tipping pitches and stop pitching like he was tossing beach balls down Ashburn Alley, but maybe the skipper could have a pulse and make a change BEFORE the wheels completely fall off, ya know?

Jesus Luzardo Disaster-Class Should Have Been Avoided

4 walks. Grand Slam. https://t.co/cXMMwegQWZ

— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) July 24, 2025

Bryson Stott has the game of his life on the same day he welcomes his newborn baby

Carlos Narváez flips the script, sends Phillies packing in extra-inning gut-punch

Shoutout to these Phillies and Red Sox fans for handing Boston a go-ahead HR in extras

Rob Thomson didn’t have to lift a finger Tuesday night.

Cristopher Sánchez gave him a complete game the night before. The bullpen was fresh. The team’s next game isn’t until Friday. So when Luzardo starts imploding, walking four batters and giving up a grand slam, how is nobody warming up?

Cristopher Sánchez shoves, Bryce Harper steals home and the Phillies beat the Sox 4-1

Was Rob Thomson snoozing in the dugout? Either way, he just sat there while Luzardo detonated a five-run lead in less than five minutes. Just watching like a fan at home.

What an absolute implosion by Jesús Luzardo here. 2B, BB, K, P6, BB, BB, BB, HR. Six runs.

Could have been out of the inning with a pop up behind home plate that J.T. Realmuto never saw. Brutal stuff.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 24, 2025

Jesús Luzardo had a no-hitter and a 5-0 lead entering the fifth inning. He and the Phillies now trail 6-5, and Luzardo's ERA on the season has spiked to 4.59.

— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) July 24, 2025

The Phillies have a day-off today before heading to the Bronx this weekend. Last night was the PERFECT time to use some bullpen arms after Sanchez pitched a complete game the night prior. None of that happened. It was frustrating to watch.

What the hell are we doing, man?

Rob Thomson: “I should have probably gotten him up a little bit earlier, so that’s on me.” pic.twitter.com/3QCUQZdGhn

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) July 24, 2025

How many times, Topper?

This team has what it takes. Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez are mowing guys down. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are launching nukes. The Phillies could easily become a team that’s built to win it all post-deadline, but the guy commanding the ship is a human snooze button.

I’m not calling for Rob Thomson’s job but god damn, it would be nice to see him switch-up the energy.

The Phillies will win the NL East and hover around 90+ wins this season. Book it. They will probably make some noise in October too but if and when the season ends in heartbreak, we’ll be sitting here wondering why the easiest of changes weren’t made.

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