Phillies manage rotation as Castellanos adjusts to a new role
Rob Thomson is juggling lineup decisions and clubhouse dynamics as Nick Castellanos adapts to a reduced playing role after years as the everyday right fielder for the Phillies. Castellanos had been the everyday man in right field since signing with Philadelphia before the 2022 season, and he played all 162 games last year. But over the past month, he has been part of a rotating outfield arrangement, and he didn’t appear in three of the previous eight games before Friday’s matchup with Atlanta, including being pulled after the eighth inning for defensive considerations.
Castellanos said it’s been a “big adjustment” not to play every day. “The best I can,” he replied when asked how he’s handling it.
Thomson spoke about Castellanos’ frustration ahead of Saturday’s game against the Braves. “Nick just wants to play. That’s it. I think most guys get frustrated when they don’t play. Because they want to play. And that’s normal.”
After Friday’s win, Thomson stressed that the entire roster needs to be “all in” to win at this stage of the season. “Check your ego at the door and let’s go,” he said. When asked if Castellanos could do that, Thomson answered decisively: “Absolutely. We don’t need to make a big deal out of this. He’s frustrated because he wants to play and that’s it. I understand that. I wouldn’t respect a guy if he wanted to come out of the game.”
Friday marked the first time Castellanos had been removed for defensive reasons since June 16 in Miami, and he was benched for the next game after an “inappropriate” comment following that incident. The decision to inform Castellanos he was coming out wasn’t made by Thomson; first base and outfield coach Paco Figueroa told him while he was on base after the bottom of the eighth. Thomson explained he didn’t interrupt the at-bat to relay the news, noting, “If he hits a home run, I probably don’t take him out of the game.”
Entering Saturday, with the Phillies holding a one-run lead in the ninth, Thomson went with his three best defensive outfielders. Castellanos, who was in the lineup against Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale, is currently hitting .197 with a .554 OPS in 33 games since the All-Star break.
Castellanos’ current role reflects a broader strategy as Philadelphia aims to maximize its roster depth down the stretch. Thomson’s approach—balancing veteran talent with practical game-day decisions—highlights the ongoing challenge of keeping 26 players engaged while chasing wins. Castellanos’ response in the coming weeks will be a telling barometer of how well the Phillies can maintain cohesion even as roles shift.
What this means going forward: if Castellanos continues to adjust, the Phillies may rely on a combination of veteran experience and strong defense to preserve late-inning flexibility. The team’s willingness to prioritize collective upside over individual comfort can be seen as a sign of confidence in their roster depth as the pennant race heats up.
Summary: The Phillies are navigating the delicate act of managing a veteran powerhouse while fine-tuning the outfield mix for late-season success. Castellanos’ adaptation will be watched closely as Philadelphia balances competitive urgency with clubhouse chemistry, aiming to keep everyone ready for their opportunities.