The Phillies outfielder was lifted in the ninth inning of Friday’s 2-1 win over the Braves, with manager Rob Thomson inserting Harrison Bader to close things out.
“Bader’s the best defender we’ve got,” Thomson said. His defensive struggles back that up — Castellanos’ minus-12 Outs Above Average (OAA) is the worst among all outfielders this season.
“It’s a big adjustment,” Castellanos told reporters after the game. He admitted it’s been difficult but said he’s dealing with it “the best [he] can.” He also noted “there was no conversation” with Thomson about the move.
Thomson explained Saturday that first base coach Paco Figueroa was the one who delivered the news. Because Castellanos had reached base on a walk and was stranded, Thomson couldn’t tell him himself. “If he’s on base, I can’t,” Thomson said. “I can’t run out there and tell him.” Normally, he added, those conversations come directly from him.
According to Thomson, the two did not speak prior to batting practice on Saturday.
The situation isn’t entirely new. Back in June, Castellanos was briefly held out of the lineup after making an “inappropriate comment” to Thomson following a similar late-game removal against the Marlins.
When asked again about the decision before Saturday’s contest, Thomson emphasized that Castellanos’ reaction is simply the mark of a competitor.
“Nick just wants to play, man, and that’s it,” he said. “I think most guys get frustrated when they come out, because they want to play. That’s normal.”
Thomson added that while they didn’t speak directly, he believes Castellanos understands the reasoning. Asked about Castellanos and his ego, Thomson was quick to brush aside any concern.
“Don’t make a big deal about it. It’s frustrating because he wants to play, and that’s it.”
The situation isn’t entirely new. Back in June, Castellanos was briefly held out of the lineup after making an “inappropriate comment” to Thomson following a similar late-game removal against the Marlins.
When asked again about the decision before Saturday’s contest, Thomson emphasized that Castellanos’ reaction is simply the mark of a competitor.
“Nick just wants to play, man, and that’s it,” he said. “I think most guys get frustrated when they come out, because they want to play. That’s normal.”
Thomson added that while they didn’t speak directly, he believes Castellanos understands the reasoning. Asked about Castellanos and his ego, Thomson was quick to brush aside any concern.
“Don’t make a big deal about it. It’s frustrating because he wants to play, and that’s it.”
Loading Phillies schedule...
Loading NL East standings...
Support the Mission. Fuel the Movement.
You’re not just funding journalism — you’re backing the future of youth baseball in Philly.
👉 Join us on Patreon »