Rob Thomson makes another costly decision during NLDS Game 4

Oct 19, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson (59) speaks to the media before the game against the San Diego Padres on game two of the NLCS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Thomson’s “greatest hits” tour is continuing.

The Philadelphia Phillies manager Thomson was once again scrutinized over a crucial decision that he made in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Philadelphia was nursing a 1-0 lead during the bottom of the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.

But Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez, who had twirled a scoreless gem up to that point, put Dodgers runners on first and second with one out. Thomson then pulled Sanchez from the game and inserted reliever Jhoan Duran.

While that wasn’t a bad decision on its own, it was what Thomson had Duran do that drew backlash. After Duran got Andy Pages to ground out, Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate for the Dodgers.

Curiously, Thomson opted to intentionally walk Ohtani to load the bases. Mookie Betts, the next batter for the Dodgers, then ended up drawing a walk to force in a run and tie the game at 1-1.

Thomson heard it over social media for the decision to intentionally walk Ohtani. Many users cited Ohtani’s poor performance during this series against the Phillies (going 1-for-17 up to that point), and the fact that there were two outs at the time (with the intentional walk then pushing the tying run up another 90 feet to third base).

Intentionally walking Ohtani with two outs when he’s 1-17 this series is the most Rob Thomson decision imaginable
— Broad STweet 4-1 (@Broad_STweet) October 10, 2025

Walking Ohtani when he was 1-17 was an awful decision. Now a walk forces home a run. Thomson yet again finding ways to overmanage
— Erick (@EKlambara) October 10, 2025

Thomson once again poorly managing a critical moment
— Adam Rosenberg (@HeyRosenberg) October 10, 2025

Let’s walk the man that’s like 1-27 this series. Fire him! @Phillies pic.twitter.com/2NJZBqntIV
— FireRobThomson (@FireRobThomson) October 10, 2025

Thomson also got skewered by fans over mismanaged decisions in both Game 2 against the Dodgers as well as in Game 3. If the Phillies go on to lose the series, plenty will be pointing the finger at Thomson’s poor management in crucial moments down the stretch.