The Philadelphia Phillies will be without Nick Castellanos for their Saturday game against the New York Yankees after the outfielder sustained a knee injury late in Friday’s matchup. Castellanos, who stands as the team’s most productive hitter based on advanced metrics, aggravated his knee while chasing a ball near the right field wall. Manager Rob Thomson confirmed the decision to rest Castellanos was precautionary due to soreness, with plans to reassess his status on Sunday.

Outfield Changes Create Offensive Challenges for Phillies

With Castellanos sidelined, the Phillies will deploy Max Kepler in right field, Brandon Marsh moving to left, and Johan Rojas occupying center field. This trio, however, poses offensive challenges, as none match Castellanos’s hitting effectiveness. Marsh carries a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 86, falling below league average, while Kepler and Rojas have even lower marks, at 83 and 63 respectively. Thomson has previously utilized this combination late in games for defensive purposes, but starting them together highlights the team’s limited outfield offense.

Team’s Outfield Depth Under Scrutiny Amid Ongoing Injuries

The Phillies’ outfield has long been viewed as a weak spot, and Castellanos’s absence intensifies that issue at a critical time in their schedule. Observers suggest the current situation should push the Phillies’ front office to consider adding another outfielder to bolster the lineup. Despite the concern, there is some relief in understanding that Castellanos’s injury appears minor, and his rest for Saturday is mainly a precaution.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Phillies’ Playoff Push

As the Phillies seek their second consecutive series win against an American League opponent, the impact of Castellanos’s absence could be significant. Offensive production from the outfield will be crucial against the Yankees, making the Phillies’ depth a focal point for upcoming games. The team must monitor Castellanos closely and possibly explore roster moves to solidify their outfield before the playoff stretch intensifies.

“Castellanos is a bit sore, so they have kept him out of the lineup and will check back on Sunday.” —Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Nick Castellanos hit a homerun when the Pope died?

A. Castellanos has been on a winning streak since the Covid-19 pandemic halted global economic activities. However, he did not win yesterday after Pope Francis passed away, disappointing some gamblers.