Breaking: Philadelphia Phillies Fire Joe Girardi

It's been a dreadful start to the season for the Philadelphia Phillies, and now after much speculation, manager Joe Girardi has been relieved of his duties. 

Philadelphia hired Girardi prior to the 2020 season and he went 132-141 as the team's skipper, failing to reach the postseason. https://t.co/iFdSRUrzIL pic.twitter.com/qAoZj82MbI

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) June 3, 2022

Girardi had a 132-141 record since taking over in 2020. This season, after a number of splashy free agent signings in the offseason, the Phillies were expected to be a contender. But they've stumbled to a 22-29 record, 12 games out in the National League East.

As is often the case when a team underperforms, the front office decided that it was time for a "new voice" in the clubhouse.

“It has been a frustrating season for us up until this point, as we feel that our club has not played up to its capabilities,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said in a release. “While all of us share a responsibility for the shortcomings, I felt that a change was needed and that a new voice in the clubhouse would give us the best chance to turn things around.”

Bench coach Rob Thomson will take over as manager. "This is an emotional day for me, having worked closely with Joe for so many years," said Thomson. "This has been my home for the last five years and I care deeply about this franchise, this city, our players, our coaches, our staff, and our fans, I am ready to lead this team and look forward to getting to work and turning this around.”

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports