Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for reportedly making 'inappropriate comments'
An All-Star in 2023, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos has been instrumental in the team's success in recent years, playing a pivotal role on offense and helping lead the team to the World Series in 2022 and playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024.
Coming into Tuesday's contest against the Miami Marlins, Castellanos had started in every one of the Phillies' 72 games and had made 231 consecutive appearances. That streak came to an end Tuesday, though, as manager Rob Thomson announced Castellanos was being benched as punishment for making "inappropriate comments" after he was pulled from Monday's game.
Castellanos was replaced during the eighth inning of Monday's 5-2 win over Miami in favor of Johan Rojas. Rojas has a tremendous glove. Castellanos does not. With the Phillies up two runs heading into the eighth, the change was made. Castellanos did not approve of Thomson's decision.
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What did Castellanos say that got him benched?
It's unclear what exactly tipped the scales for Thomson, prompting him to bench Castellanos, but the two-time All-Star said he wasn't happy about being pulled from Monday's game.
He spoke his mind, and Thomson told Castellanos he had "crossed a line."
How is Castellanos performing this season?
After a down 2024 season, Castellanos has bounced back a bit in 2025. His batting average and on-base percentage have increased, though his slugging percentage has taken a small dip.
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Castellanos has seven home runs and 36 RBI on the season. The Phillies currently sit at 43-29 and are second in the NL East, two games back of the first-place New York Mets. The Phillies currently hold the top spot in the National League wild card race.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phillies' Nick Castellanos benched for 'inappropriate comments'
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