Just as the Phillies were trying to bounce back after being swept at Citi Field, fresh drama has emerged inside the clubhouse involving Nick Castellanos and manager Rob Thompson. Only a couple of months ago, the two were in the spotlight after Thompson benched Castellanos for an “inappropriate comment” in June. While it seemed that the chapter had been closed, the latest incident has only reignited tensions.

Welcome to round 2 of Nick Castellanos vs Rob Thompson! After blowing away the Atlanta Braves 19-4 in the first game of the series, the tensions were high and the margins were thin in the second game, and it eventually boiled over in the Phillies’ dugout. The pivotal moment took place on the diamond when Castellanos made a brilliant play in right field and threw out Braves’ Matt Olson at home plate. The score was 1-1 at the time, and the Phillies took the lead at the bottom of the 8th when Alec Bohm hit a sacrifice fly to the right and won the second game of the series 2-1.

But the controversial moment came later in the game, when manager Rob Thomson hooked Castellanos for Harrison Bader in the ninth inning to bring some defensive stability and calm in this nail-biting encounter. Thomson explained his reasons in the post-game interview, saying, “He makes near the last out in the eighth inning. So we put Bader in because he’s the best defender we’ve got.”

When reporter Tim Kelly asked Castellanos if it was frustrating to be pulled after such a great defensive play and whether the adjustment was needed, he responded, “Yes… it’s a big adjustment.” He also noted “there was no conversation” with Thomson about the move. Now, with the slugger having only a year left in his five-year $100 million contract and skipper Thompson not on the best of terms with Castellanos, an exit can not be denied after this season.

Well, if not for the current season, the 33-year-old slugger has been crucial for the Phillies in the last two years, especially during their postseason run. And considering the Phillies are the second-best NL team this season and their postseason spot is almost fixed, skipper Thompson would want the best version of Castellanos during October baseball.

What are your thoughts on the rift between the Phillies manager and slugger? And do you think Castellanos will be able to win Thompson’s trust this season? Let us know in the comments below!