Nick Castellanos wanted a little more respect.
In the latest clash between MLB players and umpires, a Phillies outfielder had a message for home plate umpire Derek Thomas after a seemingly silent pitch clock violation automatically called a strike before the start of his at-bat in the top of the seventh inning of Monday’s 8-6 loss to the Red Sox.
“Out of respect for a guy who’s been in the league for over 10 years, you’ve got to speak up,” Castellanos told an infuriated Thomas.
According to MLB rules, the batter must be in the box to “call the pitcher’s attention” eight seconds before the timer goes off or an automatic strike is called.
Neither the matchup nor the 0-1 score was enough to create any more tension, but Castellanos eventually walked Zach Kelly on six pitches and scored to make it 8-5.
It wasn’t enough to help the Phillies overcome a 4-0 lead they blew at Boston, but it was another blow for a team that will be without star catcher JT Realmuto for six to eight weeks due to knee surgery.
Philadelphia is 46-21 and, thanks in part to Castellanos’ hitting prowess, sits atop the National League heading into a rematch with the Red Sox on Thursday.
The 32-year-old has 55 hits in 255 at-bats this season, with nine home runs and 29 RBIs.
The Phillies have a rich history with the pitch clock, which was implemented before the 2023 season.
The team sought an exemption for slugger Bryce Harper last season after he returned from elbow surgery that required him to wear a brace on his arm whenever he was on base and before the next pitch.
MLB denied the waiver request.
“I mean, we even spoke to Manfred and they said we don’t have any more time.” Harper said:“Obviously it’s a pace of play thing. In those situations, with 22 seconds to go, it’s going to be difficult. Hopefully the refs have a feel for it. Usually some refs have a feel for it, so I’m grateful for that. But we’ll see how it goes.”
“I know they’re going to give me extra minutes, but if I don’t, I won’t be able to start playing and I won’t be able to move forward.”
