Overview

• Manager Rob Thomson withheld Castellanos on June 17 after the outfielder made an inappropriate sideline remark when removed for defense late in a game.
• The decision snapped Castellanos’ streak of 236 consecutive starts but was intended to reinforce team discipline and improve late-game defense.
• Castellanos returned on June 18 and delivered a game-sealing catch in right field to preserve a 4-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.
• After the win, Thomson said the issue is “gone” and confirmed that both he and Castellanos have moved past the incident.
• The episode underscores the Phillies’ strategy of deploying defensive specialist Johan Rojas in high-leverage situations against right-handed pitching.