NICK Castellanos has been benched by the Philadelphia Phillies.
The slugger was given a rare pass in the lineup after an “inappropriate comment” towards the team’s manager.
Nick Castellanos was benched by the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday[/caption]
Castellanos reportedly crossed the line with an “inappropriate comment” towards the team manager[/caption]
Castellanos was seen in a heated conversation with Phillies manager Rob Thompson during a 5-2 win on Monday.
Before the start of the next game against the Miami Marlins, Thompson informed reporters that Castellanos wouldn’t be playing.
“One of the many things about Nick that I love is that he’s very emotional,” Thomson said.
“He loves to play, and he loves to play every inning of every game.
“I just thought last night he made an inappropriate comment after he came out, and so today, he’s not going to play.
“And I’m going to leave it at that.”
Before Tuesday, Castellanos hadn’t missed a game since September 30, 2023.
Max Kepler took over in right field for Castellanos on Tuesday after his benching.
Castellanos was asked about being sat down, and shared his displeasure with the move.
“I wasn’t happy about it. Spoke my mind,” Castellanos said via the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“He said that I crossed a line. So, my punishment is I’m not playing.”
Castellanos also acknowledged that the decision ultimately is the manager’s to make, no matter how he feels.
“It’s his decision. He’s the manager,” he said.
MLB fans had split opinions on Castellanos’ benching, and shared who’s side they were on.
“Yikes. These athletes need to remember their place,” one fan said.
“Thompson is no leader of men and never should have pulled the most consistent player on the team,” another fan said.
“Ok so fire Rob Thomson?” a third fan said.
“What did he say?” a fourth fan said.
“Rob Thomson is a bum manager that has been carried by talent,” a fifth fan said.
Castellanos is playing for the Phillies on a five-year, $100 million contract.
