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Phillies’ Nick Castellanos Sends Six-Word Message After Rob Thomson Benching

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 5:23 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies made a decision that hasn't been made in over two years; Nick Castellanos wasn't in the starting lineup. He had been the team's ironman over the last few years, but Rob Thomson decided to bench Castellanos for the second game of the series against the Miami Marlins.

Amid his benching, Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos commented on the decision from Thomson. Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reported that "Castellanos said he was unhappy with being pulled from yesterday's game, then spoke his mind. Thomson told him he'd crossed a line."

Then, Castellanos shared a six-word message that encompassed his response: "It's his decision. He's the manager."

Castellanos said he was unhappy with being pulled from yesterday’s game, then spoke his mind. Thomson told him he’d crossed a line.

“It’s his decision. He’s the manager.”
— Charlotte Varnes (@charlottevarnes) June 17, 2025

The initial report for why Castellanos was benched was due to an inappropriate remark he made after his benching. Castellanos confirmed that that's the reasoning for the benching, but didn't go into detail about what was said.

For Thomson to make this decision, Castellanos must've said something that was well-over the line. But, while the decision is a big one, both Castellanos and Thomson need to move forward and do all they can to help the team win.

Castellanos in 2025 has struggled a bit for the Phillies. His defense has been an issue all year, and that's been a huge reason for him being pulled late in games. Not only has Castellanos struggled in the field, he's had a tough time at the plate as well.

In his 2025 season at the plate, Castellanos has 273 at-bats. He has 76 hits, 31 runs scored, one triple, seven home runs and 36 RBIs. His .746 OPS is solid, but he's struggled so much in the field, that he's been benched for the first time in a Phillies uniform.

The comment from Castellanos points towards his acknowledgment of what he did, btu it also doesn't take full responsibility for his actions. An apology would've been a sign of regret, but his deferral of the decision to Thomson shows his lingering feelings over the decision to be benched.

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

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