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2h ago

Phillies’ Nick Castellanos Hits 250th Off Bench, Questions Rob Thomson’s Communication

The veteran used his milestone night to question his manager’s communication during a shift to a platoon role.

Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos (8) reacts after hitting an RBI single during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park
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Overview

  • He entered as a pinch hitter and smashed a two-run homer in the eighth to extend the lead to 5-2 in an 8-2 win at Arizona, his first home run since Aug. 17.
  • Castellanos said he doesn’t talk much with Rob Thomson and called communication over the years “questionable,” while stressing he intends to help Philadelphia win and not be a distraction.
  • Thomson said the longtime everyday player is learning a part-time role and indicated Castellanos will sit Saturday against a right-handed starter, with opportunities possible if he heats up.
  • His starts have declined to 12 of the last 24 games as the Phillies mixed outfield alignments after adding Harrison Bader and pairing Castellanos in a right-field platoon with Max Kepler.
  • He is batting .255 with a .710 OPS this season and has struggled since the All-Star break; the NL East–clinched Phillies face postseason roster choices, and Castellanos is signed through next season on a five-year, $100 million deal.