A method for managing temperatures in an aftertreatment system positioned downstream of an engine. The method includes (1) combusting a rich air/diesel mixture in a cylinder of the engine, and then (2) combusting a lean air/diesel mixture in the cylinder, in the next combustion event in the cylinder, after combusting the rich air/diesel mixture therein. The method further includes repeating steps (1) and (2) in the cylinder and basing a frequency thereof on a desired aftertreatment system temperature.