After the Philadelphia Phillies’ 9-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, right fielder Nick Castellanos expressed some frustration with the crowd. When the camera caught him in the dugout post-game, he was seen shouting at fans while gesturing passionately.
Jace Kaleicau, a producer for the Phillies who observed the scene, noted that Castellanos was supporting his teammate, Bryson Stott, through the exchanges. Kaleicau mentioned that the fans had “crossed multiple lines” in their comments directed at Stott.
Stott had played for eight innings, coming in to replace Edmundo Sosa. He managed to make a couple of groundouts, but ultimately ended the game by flying out against Reds’ third baseman Noelvi Marte. This season hasn’t been particularly kind to Stott, with a batting average sitting at .236 and only five home runs along with 35 RBIs. It’s clear Castellanos has taken on a leadership role, rallying behind the younger Stott.
Despite Castellanos’s strength in the lineup—he holds an average of .278, with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs—his defensive skills in right field leave something to be desired. Early in the game, the Phillies took a strong position, leading 3-0 in the first inning. However, the Reds quickly shifted the momentum, scoring six unanswered runs over three innings.
Even with the defeat, the Phillies maintained a slight lead over the New York Mets in the NL East standings. The team (51-37) will look to recover as they face the Reds (46-42) again on Saturday at 4:05 PM ET.
