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Phillies Infielder Undergoes Major Changes to Hitting, Fielding

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of infield talent throughout the organization. With Aidan Miller coming up through the Minor Leagues strong and Bryson Stott and Trae Turner locking down the middle infield, the infield is set for the future.

One of the side effects of the Phillies' infield depth is that their trade acquisition in 2023 won't have a clear path to playtime. That player is Rodolfo Castro.

According to an article by Ty Dubert of Phillies Nation, Castro recently discussed a few significant changes to his game with Phillies manager Rob Thompson.

The first change is at the plate, where Castro wants to be a switch hitter no-longer. Castro had been a switch-hitting infielder and now wants to focus entirely on being a right-handed batter. Thompson had some thoughts on the proposed change.

"He asked if he could just hit right-handed, so we're in agreement. He didn't want to hit left-hand anymore, so we're in agreement. Guy doesn't want to do something, then we'll have to work at it, because it's a different look. But he's trying to make some adjustments."

Thompson's being receptive to the changes in Castro's approach at the plate is a good sign for Castro. Having your manager be confident and trustful in your approach can make Castro's development as smooth as possible.

Castro is also trying to change positions, adding the ability to play in the outfield. With the need for outfield depth, Castro's playing in the outfield could make his path to the Major Leagues clearer. Thompson also had supportive comments about Castro's playing in the outfield.

"And I'll tell you what: This outfield thing is real. He can really play out there. He gets great jumps, great reads. He sees the ball well."

Castro has had some spring training experience in the outfield and has looked the part in it. Castro is working on a lot between the changes in the field and at the plate.

If he can adapt to those changes well, he could become a contributor for the Phillies during the 2025 season.

Castro was reassigned to Minor League Camp on Saturday, March 15th. As he works his way back to the Major Leagues, he will continue to adapt to these changes in the Minors.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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