Thomson Navigates Castellanos’ Frustration Amid Defensive Rotation
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson has stirred conversation as he steers a delicate balance between strategic defense and keeping veteran Nick Castellanos motivated—an equilibrium Castellanos admits has proven frustrating.
On Friday, August 29, 2025, during a tightly contested 2–1 win over the Atlanta Braves, Thomson made a bold defensive call: he pulled Castellanos in the ninth inning for Harrison Bader, regarded as the team’s premier defender. Castellanos had just thrown out a runner at home plate, marking a highlight in another solid defensive outing.
After the game, Thomson stressed the importance of selflessness on this playoff push: “Check your ego at the door, and let’s go.” This late-season motto underscores his message—individual roles must fluidly give way to team advantage, especially in tight moments.
Castellanos, though quick to acknowledge the team-first reasoning, did not shy away from expressing his unease. Asked if it was frustrating to be replaced defensively despite a strong performance, his response was unambiguous: “Yes.” He admitted that adapting to this new, uncertain routine—no longer a guaranteed every-game starter—is “a big adjustment,” and one he’s managing “the best I can.”
This isn’t the first time this season that Thomson’s personnel moves have rattled Castellanos. Back on June 16, Thomson made a similar late-game defensive substitution, prompting Castellanos to voice his displeasure with an “inappropriate comment.”
That reaction earned him a benching the following day—ending his 236-game starting streak. When reinstated, Castellanos made a spectacular diving catch to seal a win, underscoring his abilities, even under duress.
The host of advanced metrics underpinning Thomson’s decisions are stark. Castellanos ranks near the bottom among MLB outfielders in defensive runs saved and outs above average, whereas Johan Rojas and Harrison Bader have proven defensive value. Thomson has long given his players leeway, but this is a moment when calculated substitutions are necessary—even at the expense of veteran feelings.
Castellanos remains pragmatic about their working relationship. He emphasized shared goals: “We’re two grown men … with the common goal of winning a World Series,” and that passion naturally brings friction during a long, intense season.
Ultimately, Thomson is shaping the Phillies with one mindset: winning in October. To him, that might require hiatuses from regular starters, tough conversations, and the occasional emotional moment. For Castellanos, the challenge is adjusting to a role defined less by routine and more by the evolving needs of a championship run.