Phillies' Rob Thomson May Move Schwarber to Outfield, Castellanos to DH
Phillies' Rob Thomson May Move Schwarber to Outfield, Castellanos to DH originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best designated hitters in baseball with Kyle Schwarber. He came to Philadelphia as a prospective DH and outfielder, but after his poor defense came to light, the Phillies shifted gears and kept him at designated hitter.
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But ahead of the second game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Phillies manager Rob Thomson made a strange announcement. According to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic on Twitter/X, Thomson announced that the Phillies may be putting Schwarber back in the outfield to help give Nick Castellanos a break.
Thomson's strange pitch came after the Phillies took Castellanos out of the game late against the Blue Jays, sparking minor concern over his availability. Though fortunately, there isn't any long term issues.
But, it has seemingly led Thomson to decide to try Schwarber back in the outfield, and putting Castellanos at designated hitter, to allow Castellanos to get more rest while still being in the lineup every day.
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Having both batters in the lineup is a good thing for the Phillies, but the consequence of getting Castellanos time off from outfield duties is putting Schwarber in the outfield. Considering his statistics in the outfield, it's a slightly concerning proposition.
According to Baseball Savant, back in 2023, the last time Schwarber qualified as a fielder, he was ranked in the first percentile of all defensive outfielders in Fielding Run Value. Schwarber had a negative 20 Fielding Run Value, ahead of only Keibert Ruiz for the worst fielder in baseball in 2023.
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) looks on from the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
His 2022 outfield production wasn't any better, as he had an overall negative 19 Fielding Run Value, second worst in baseball. While Castellanos hasn't been a great fielder, he's been better than Scwharber whenever Schwarber is out there.
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This potential move from Thomson is a strange choice, but it's purpose is clear: keep Castellanos and Schwarber in the lineup, while giving Castellanos time off from playing the field.
Ironically, in 2025, Castellanos has been the worst defender according to Fielding Run Value. Sitting at negative nine through 69 games, Castellanos has been the worst fielder in baseball.
With that perspective in mind, Thomson's decision makes some sense. But, while Castellanos hasn't been good in the outfield, Schwarber won't be any better. Either would be a hole in the outfield, but at least with Castellanos, he's had significantly more experience there.
Related: Phillies Predicted to Ditch Brandon Marsh for Top Prospect
Related: Phillies Fans Overwhelmingly Pick Bullpen as Position to Prioritize at Trade Deadline
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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