A notable face won’t be seen during the 2026 MLB season.

When Phillies fans tune in for the 2026 MLB season, they won’t see Taryn Hatcher anymore. Changes came in a big way to the Phillies’ television broadcasts.

Mike Schmidt, a part-time Phillies broadcaster since 2014, chose not to return this season. The network also eliminated the sideline reporter position, meaning Hatcher won’t be back.

Alexandra Matcham, the vice president of content for NBC Sports Philadelphia, spoke out about the changes. She said in an interview with the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Jeff Blumenthal that the network is looking to “add to our storytelling in new ways.”

“As the game of baseball evolves and changes, so too does our coverage,” Matcham told Blumenthal. “In order to give fans who are not at the stadium the most entertaining and informative broadcast we can deliver, we want to add to our storytelling in new ways. This season, we believe we can do that by bringing a different approach to our coverage.”

This controversy is the last thing the team needs amid a rift between Bryce Harper and the front office.

Hatcher’s absence is the biggest shock. She had been a familiar face as the Phillies’ sideline reporter for home games since 2023. She reported from the dugout and various locations inside the stadium. Taryn Hatcher got her start with NBC Sports Philadelphia in 2018 as the Flyers rinkside reporter.

Taryn Hatcher Breaks Her Silence After Losing Her Job

Hatcher learned the news that her job would be gone at the end of the 2025 MLB season. However, it wasn’t until 2026 that Phillies fans realized she would no longer be serving as the team’s sideline reporter.

NBC Sports Philadelphia officially eliminated the position, meaning there will not be a replacement. Their approach moving forward will be something entirely new. Rather than seeking someone to fill Hatcher’s role, the network plans to offer Phillies fans a fresh style of coverage.

There had been no significant complaints about Hatcher’s work in previous seasons, so the sudden change is confusing. Hatcher released a statement regarding her departure from NBC Sports Philadelphia on her social media pages:

“Sadly, I won’t be returning on Phillies coverage this season,” Taryn Hatcher wrote. “At the conclusion of the 2025 season, I was told that my role on the sidelines at NBCSP was being eliminated moving forward.

“While the news was pretty heartbreaking, I have to acknowledge that it was a really fun run. I loved every second of it. I’m grateful for everyone who tuned in over the years, and for the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.”

The 33-year-old had worked for NBC Sports Philadelphia since 2018 and covered the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Eagles at first.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.