Alex Cora was nearly right back in the saddle.
Instead, the former Boston Red Sox manager turned down the Philadelphia Phillies' offer to take over their dugout, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.
The Phillies elevated bench coach Don Mattingly to the interim gig after firing manager Rob Thomson.
Cora was fired by the Red Sox on Saturday, but reportedly chose to prioritize family time over returning so quickly to managing.
An infielder on the Red Sox 2007 World Series championship team, Cora managed them to a franchise-record 108 wins and another title in ‘18. He was replaced on an interim basis in Boston by Chad Tracy.
Both Boston and Philadelphia have failed to meet expectations early this season, with the former sitting last in the AL East at 12-17 while the latter is tied for last in the NL East at 9-19.
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