Phillies’ Nick Castellanos: The Consistency in a Slumping Lineup
As the Philadelphia Phillies stumbled out of the All-Star break into the month of August, there was one consistent positive in a slumping lineup. Nick Castellanos, the team’s right fielder, has been a beacon of hope, providing a spark to the offense when it seemed like nobody else was hitting.
Castellanos hit.310 in 100 at-bats over the first 27 games out of the break, with 11 doubles, a triple, three home runs, and 15 RBIs. His consistency has been a welcome sight, especially as the team has struggled to find its rhythm.
In Tuesday’s 5-0 win over the Houston Astros, Castellanos continued his hot streak, hitting a three-run homer off Justin Verlander in the third inning. The homer changed the game, giving the Phillies a 3-0 lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Castellanos’ success can be attributed to his ability to adjust to the game’s attacking him. He has seen a higher rate of non-fastballs than any hitter in baseball this season, and he has learned to take what the game gives him. “I see more offspeed pitches than anyone in baseball,” he said. “Taking what the game gives me, right?”
Manager Rob Thomson has stuck with Castellanos throughout the season, even when he was struggling. “For a coaching staff, trust is the biggest thing you can have from your players,” Castellanos said. “If you don’t feel like a manager has your back, that’s kinda uninspiring to lace up your cleats for.”
The Phillies have won four straight games, nine of 13, and claimed back-to-back series over the Royals and Astros. With 30 games left, they are 78-54, as far over.500 as they’ve been since July 29.
Aaron Nola was dominant on the mound, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing just two hits. He handled the Astros’ top two threats, Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman, who combined to go 2-for-20 off him without an extra-base hit.
The Phillies will look to sweep the series on Wednesday, with Taijuan Walker opposing rookie right-hander Spencer Arrighetti.
