Phillies Seek New Destination for Nick Castellanos
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Philadelphia Phillies are exploring options for a possible trade of outfielder Nick Castellanos before the start of spring training with the full team. Castellanos was relegated to the bench at the end of last season after making what Phillies manager Rob Thomson described as “an inappropriate comment” after being substituted for a defensive change. In September, Castellanos commented that communication with Thomson had been “questionable, at least in my experience”.The president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, revealed that the team has been in conversations with other organizations about Castellanos. Castellanos, who will turn 34 on March 4, recorded a batting average of .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games for the National League East champions last year. He is in the final season of a five-year, $100 million contract. Adolis García is expected to take Castellanos’ spot in right field, after signing a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia in December. Phillies pitchers and catchers are scheduled for their first spring training on Wednesday. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for February 16. When asked if Castellanos would be in the field if he is not traded or released by the time position players are to report, Dombrowski responded: “Well, right now, we’re doing everything we can to make a move for that time period. I’ll leave it at that for now.” The Phillies’ ace, Zack Wheeler, will be at spring training, but his participation in the Opening Day seems uncertain. Wheeler is recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot in his right arm, a situation related to thoracic outlet syndrome.That’s our focus before the start of spring training. We will continue working on it this week.
Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations
Wheeler, 35, led the Major Leagues with 195 strikeouts at the time of his injury in August. Wheeler, who has been Philadelphia’s Opening Day starter for the last two seasons, was 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA last year.It’s okay; I don’t think he’s ready for Opening Day. But he won’t be far from it.
Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager
