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CINCINNATI Nick Castellanos has been in this situation before: the frustrating slump that feels impossible to get out of, yet somehow, the solution eventually comes to light.

It could be a little flare hit or whatever, just something to get the momentum going. Then suddenly, you find your rhythm, Castellanos said after the Phillies' 8-1 loss to the Reds on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park.

Castellanos went 0-for-4 in the game, but his performance wasn't the main reason for the Phillies' defeat. Starter Cristopher Snchez struggled with his changeup, lasting just three innings, his shortest outing of the season. The Phillies also committed three errors, which led to four unearned runs. Though the bottom of the lineup loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth, the top of the order couldn't capitalize, ending the inning without scoring.

However, Castellanos struggles are noteworthy because its early in the season, and his stats tell the story: a. 184 batting average with just one triple, seven RBIs, and a. 452 OPS in 94 plate appearances. His OPS ranks among the lowest in the league.

Everything feels harder when you're not seeing results, Castellanos admitted. Even when you get those little bleeders that drop in, and youre on base, they still don't feel great without the results. But Im confident in my process right now.

Though hes struggled, Castellanos did hit a triple on Saturday against the White Sox, his first extra-base hit of the season. His expression as he stood on third base reflected his relief.

I feel like my swings been more consistent since then, he said. Ive been better, especially since St. Louis. Im thinking less, focusing on the same key points, and not trying to force anything.

Castellanos has five hits in his last 15 at-bats over the past four games, and hes hopeful this could be the beginning of a turnaround that no one has noticed yet.

Until then, hes relying on the fact that hes been in these tough stretches before and knows how to push through them.

I remember last July, I was essentially useless, Castellanos said. I've gone through these stretches before where I feel out of sync, and then, bam, it just clicks Jimmy Rollins Jersey. Everyones like, What did you figure out? But its just baseball, full of highs and lows.

In 2023, he had a miserable stretch from July 4 to August 2 with a. 403 OPS, but followed that up with an. 840 OPS in his next 105 plate appearances. Similarly, in 2015, he posted a. 421 OPS in 86 plate appearances from May 25 to June 24, then bounced back with a. 960 OPS in his next 85 plate appearances.

Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, expressed confidence in Castellanos ability to snap out of it.

Hes not hitting like hes capable of right now, but Ive seen him go through this before. He hit 29 homers and drove in 106 RBIs last season. You dont lose that overnight, Dombrowski said before the game https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/tim_mccarver_jersey-32. Hes not too old to recover. Sure, I worry whenever a player is struggling, but I believe hell break out of it.

Manager Rob Thomson has been asked several times whether Castellanos might benefit from a day off to clear his mind. Hes consistently answered that he prefers to let Castellanos play his way through the slump.

It gives me confidence to know that he believes in me to get out of it, Castellanos said. The most I can ask for is the chance to play. I know if I keep doing things the right way, the tide will turn, just like it always has.

Some might wonder if a break could help. Even the best players sometimes need a rest.

I dont know, Castellanos responded. The competitor in me loves the challenge of playing all 162 games. Ive never played a full season, and its something I want to do. But hes the manager, and I trust his decision. Physically, I feel great, so its just about finding that rhythm. Once a few hits fall, the energy comes back, and baseball becomes fun again.

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CINCINNATI Nick Castellanos has been in this situation before: the frustrating slump that feels impossible to get out of, yet somehow, the solution eventually comes to light. It could be a little flare hit or whatever, just something to get the momentum going. Then suddenly, you find your rhythm, Castellanos said after the Phillies' 8-1 loss to the Reds on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park. Castellanos went 0-for-4 in the game, but his performance wasn't the main reason for the Phillies' defeat. Starter Cristopher Snchez struggled with his changeup, lasting just three innings, his shortest outing of the season. The Phillies also committed three errors, which led to four unearned runs. Though the bottom of the lineup loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth, the top of the order couldn't capitalize, ending the inning without scoring. However, Castellanos struggles are noteworthy because its early in the season, and his stats tell the story: a. 184 batting average with just one triple, seven RBIs, and a. 452 OPS in 94 plate appearances. His OPS ranks among the lowest in the league. Everything feels harder when you're not seeing results, Castellanos admitted. Even when you get those little bleeders that drop in, and youre on base, they still don't feel great without the results. But Im confident in my process right now. Though hes struggled, Castellanos did hit a triple on Saturday against the White Sox, his first extra-base hit of the season. His expression as he stood on third base reflected his relief. I feel like my swings been more consistent since then, he said. Ive been better, especially since St. Louis. Im thinking less, focusing on the same key points, and not trying to force anything. Castellanos has five hits in his last 15 at-bats over the past four games, and hes hopeful this could be the beginning of a turnaround that no one has noticed yet. Until then, hes relying on the fact that hes been in these tough stretches before and knows how to push through them. I remember last July, I was essentially useless, Castellanos said. I've gone through these stretches before where I feel out of sync, and then, bam, it just clicks <a href="https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/jimmy_rollins_jersey-125">Jimmy Rollins Jersey</a>. Everyones like, What did you figure out? But its just baseball, full of highs and lows. In 2023, he had a miserable stretch from July 4 to August 2 with a. 403 OPS, but followed that up with an. 840 OPS in his next 105 plate appearances. Similarly, in 2015, he posted a. 421 OPS in 86 plate appearances from May 25 to June 24, then bounced back with a. 960 OPS in his next 85 plate appearances. Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, expressed confidence in Castellanos ability to snap out of it. Hes not hitting like hes capable of right now, but Ive seen him go through this before. He hit 29 homers and drove in 106 RBIs last season. You dont lose that overnight, Dombrowski said before the game <a href="https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/tim_mccarver_jersey-32">https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/tim_mccarver_jersey-32</a>. Hes not too old to recover. Sure, I worry whenever a player is struggling, but I believe hell break out of it. Manager Rob Thomson has been asked several times whether Castellanos might benefit from a day off to clear his mind. Hes consistently answered that he prefers to let Castellanos play his way through the slump. It gives me confidence to know that he believes in me to get out of it, Castellanos said. The most I can ask for is the chance to play. I know if I keep doing things the right way, the tide will turn, just like it always has. Some might wonder if a break could help. Even the best players sometimes need a rest. I dont know, Castellanos responded. The competitor in me loves the challenge of playing all 162 games. Ive never played a full season, and its something I want to do. But hes the manager, and I trust his decision. Physically, I feel great, so its just about finding that rhythm. Once a few hits fall, the energy comes back, and baseball becomes fun again. <a href="https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com">https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com</a>

#1 Nick Castellanos Stays Confident During Tough Slump