The day after recording his first multi-hit performance of the 2024 season, Nick Castellanos stepped to the plate on Wednesday and shot a ground-ball single through the right side and into right field for an RBI base hit. The right-handed hitter delivered a sixth-inning insurance run that proved to be the difference as the Phillies escaped a rainy day in St. Louis with a 4-3 win and a series victory at Busch Stadium.
It was a positive sign for Castellanos, who has struggled at the plate to start the year. But as the Phillies return home on Thursday night for a four-game series against the Pirates, the club will still need more from its right fielder.
Castellanos is hitting .163/.265/.163 in 12 games this season, still chasing his first extra-base hit of the season. He’s been one of the poster children of the Phillies’ lackluster start to the season on offense as a collective — the team ranks 25th in Major League Baseball in runs scored per game at 3.75.
Perhaps his last two games can serve as a stepping stone for Castellanos after combining to go 3-for-8 with an RBI. However, the dink-and-dunk singles and grounders through holes aren’t enough on their own for the Phillies. The team needs more out of him, especially when other members of the lineup aren’t contributing to their potential as well.
Of course, Castellanos is a flawed player. He waves at pitches out of the zone, his cold streaks can be ice cold and he’s a poor fielder who’s apparently still adapting to some new conditions in the outfield at Citizens Bank Park. But he showed last season that he can be a productive hitter, even if he’s no longer the .938 OPS guy he was back in Cincinnati. Castellanos was an All-Star last season as he followed up a disastrous first season in Philadelphia with a 29-home run, 37-double campaign with a .787 OPS.
His best days seem to be behind him, but the 32-year-old still has the capability to put some balls in the gaps and even put a few over the fence. The Phillies can live with some of the bad at-bats if those types of outcomes begin to trickle in as well.
Returning to South Philly, Castellanos will have the chance to build upon his last couple days in the batter’s box to start doing more damage, while also showing he’s made some adjustments in the field in front of that new right-field scoreboard.
Must-read Phillies content
- Here’s more on the Phillies’ win on Wednesday.
- J.T. Realmuto made an impact on Wednesday after suffering a painful injury on Tuesday.
- Right-handers Taijuan Walker and Orion Kerkering will rehab in Clearwater on Thursday.
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Bawb Eff
April 11, 2024 at 3:51 pm
I’m starting to wonder if dude is having some personal issues or something. He just seems checked out, like there is something bigger on his mind than playing baseball. This guy was a beast in Cincinatti, and I was excited when they signed him, but honestly he’s been less bang more bust for the Phillies. Here’s hoping he works out whatever it is he needs to work out and gets back to being a productive player for the Phils.
Mike
April 12, 2024 at 7:49 am
He gives off a terrible vibe and could care less since hes getting paid. Hell be a clubhouse cancer soon. MLB players union special
Bill Lamb
April 12, 2024 at 1:15 pm
Now Castellano going to tell everyone how to hit seriouly. Trade dead line is coming address the outfield. Trout please. It,s everyone’s fought he swings at pitches low and out side. DNA
berksbaseball
April 12, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Why can’t he ever sit for a while? Get him out of there and maybe it would motivate him. Although why you would need more than 20Meg of motivation I’ll never know
Bill Lamb
April 12, 2024 at 8:55 pm
Uniforms are ugly. We are red @ white pin. I no the fan love the Phillies but please, pay your bills put money away for your kids. 18 doller beers and they want were your team colors. Omy
Bill Lamb
April 12, 2024 at 9:51 pm
Coach has to go and take Rubin with ya. Harper needs more $$$$$$$$$$