Rob Thomson Announces Reason for Harrison Bader's Removal From Phillies Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 5:42 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies got back on track Thursday, exploding for 19 runs in a win against the Atlanta Braves. The offense finally came alive after scoring just eight runs in a three-game sweep at the hands of the rival New York Mets earlier in the week, which trimmed their division lead to four games.

A major reason for the Phillies’ offensive success has been free agent acquisition Harrison Bader, who arrived as a rental depth outfielder from the Minnesota Twins.

The 31-year-old veteran has been everything Philadelphia could have hoped for, becoming a key contributor immediately.

Over 22 games with the Phillies, he’s posted a .313 batting average, .397 on-base percentage, .890 OPS, while providing elite defense and speed on the basepaths.

Rob Thomson Addresses Harrison Bader Move

Ahead of Friday's game against Atlanta, Phillies manager Rob Thomson opted to sit Bader and start Nick Castellanos in his place, with Brandon Marsh shifting to center field.

Thomson explained the decision was based on giving Bader a rest after playing seven straight games, and also on Castellanos’ strong career numbers against Braves starter Bryce Elder.

“Rob Thomson said sitting the red-hot Harrison Bader was more about Nick Castellanos’ numbers against Bryce Elder, but he did say he thought Bader could use a night off after playing seven days in a row. Bader has an .890 OPS with the Phillies,” wrote Ty Laubert of Phillies Nation.

Rob Thomson said sitting the red-hot Harrison Bader was more about Nick Castellanos’ numbers against Bryce Elder, but he did say he thought Bader could use a night off after playing seven days in a row.

Bader has an .890 OPS with the Phillies.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) August 29, 2025

Castellanos is 3-for-7 with three home runs and six RBIs in his career against Elder, backing up Thomson’s pregame comments.

Still, Bader’s emergence—along with strong August performances from left-handed outfielders Marsh and Max Kepler—has cast doubt on Castellanos’ role as an everyday player. While Castellanos continues to get starts, his defense has been a liability at times, and his long-term fit remains uncertain.

With Bader set to hit free agency this offseason, the Phillies may look to bring him back at a reasonable price, especially given his impact on both sides of the ball.

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

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