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7h ago

Phillies Turn to Bader in Ninth as Castellanos Voices Frustration

Rob Thomson cites Bader’s superior defense for late-inning swaps.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 24: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies high-fives Nick Castellanos #8 after they both scored in the second inning during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 22: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals defeated the Phillies 5-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 27: Adolis García #53 of the Texas Rangers celebrates as he runs the bases on his three run home run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field on August 27, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
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Overview

  • In a 2-1 win over the Braves on Friday, the Phillies replaced Nick Castellanos before the top of the ninth with Harrison Bader for defense, with Thomson calling Bader the club’s best defender.
  • Castellanos answered “Yes” when asked if the change frustrates him and said the adjustment is difficult, noting first-base coach Paco Figueroa, not Thomson, delivered the decision.
  • Philadelphia has used an outfield rotation since acquiring Bader at the deadline, with Bader producing a .313 average and .890 OPS in Philadelphia and occasionally sitting based on matchups.
  • Castellanos’ role has shrunk as his season line hovers near a .700 OPS and his defense rates poorly, including league-worst outs above average and deeply negative defensive runs saved.
  • June tensions linger in the backdrop after Castellanos was benched following an “inappropriate” comment about a prior defensive removal, while talk of a possible exit remains speculative.