Nick Castellanos’ frank comments about Rob Thomson reveal deeper tensions than expected
Despite hitting his 250th career home run last night in the eighth inning, the divide between Nick Castellanos and Phillies management seems to be widening.
By Tori Sheffer | 1 hour ago
Nick Castellanos’ time with the Philadelphia Phillies has been quite eventful. After being the team’s only All-Star in 2023, his inconsistent performance both at bat and in the field has contributed to a growing rift that has become more apparent.
On Friday, Castellanos came off the bench in the sixth inning during the Phillies’ 8-2 win over the Diamondbacks, hitting his milestone 250th home run in the eighth inning and adding an RBI single in the ninth. It marked the first time he recorded multiple RBIs in a game as a pinch hitter.
“I’m here to do whatever it takes to help Philadelphia win a World Series,” Castellanos said after the game. “No matter what that looks like, I’ll give my best.”
His focus remains on the present, which is important given that his everyday playing time is uncertain as he now shares right field duties with Max Kepler. Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who expects players to leave egos aside, has shifted his loyalty toward Kepler, Harrison Bader, and Brandon Marsh. Many fans have questioned how well Thomson communicates with his players. The relationship between Thomson and Castellanos noticeably deteriorated from bad to nearly broken back in June.
Regarding the strained relationship, Castellanos opened up: “Communication over the years has been questionable, at least from my perspective. I grew up with a father who was blunt, direct, and consistent.”
Castellanos had played 236 consecutive games for the Phillies before making an “inappropriate comment” in June, which led to Thomson benching him. “I don’t really talk to Rob much,” Castellanos said. “I play when he tells me to, and I sit when he tells me to.”
This season, Castellanos is batting .255 with 17 homers, 69 RBIs, and a .710 OPS. But since July, his numbers have dipped to a .206 average with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. After such a promising start, a platoon role is not ideal for a veteran with his experience. Still, Castellanos remains a team player, accepting his new role while staying focused on the current moment.
He admitted, “Sometimes things are said, and I latch onto those words, but then actions don’t match. So I’m left wondering. But it is what it is.”
While the media might try to create a bigger story, it’s clear that Castellanos still cares deeply about his teammates and the city of Philadelphia, having fought alongside them in the last three postseasons. Though his playing time has lessened, his commitment to bringing a World Series title back to Philly remains strong.
