Phillies Release Outfielder Nick Castellanos After Dugout Beer Incident

Castellanos admits to bringing beer into dugout, leading to benching last season

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Phillies have released outfielder Nick Castellanos after the team was unable to trade him. Castellanos revealed in a letter to fans that he was benched last season after bringing beer into the dugout during a game, leading to a confrontation with manager Rob Thomson and team president Dave Dombrowski.

Why it matters

Castellanos was a key part of the Phillies' lineup last season, but his off-field behavior and inability to be traded led to the team's decision to part ways with the veteran outfielder. This incident highlights the challenges teams face in managing player conduct and chemistry, especially with high-profile players.

The details

Castellanos said he brought beer into the dugout after being taken out of a game in Miami, and complained to Thomson about team rules. Teammates took the beer away before he drank any. Castellanos then met with Thomson and Dombrowski, where they "aired out our differences" and Castellanos apologized for letting his emotions get the best of him. He was benched the next game as punishment.

  • Castellanos was benched last season after the dugout beer incident.
  • Castellanos posted his hand-written letter explaining the incident on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 34-year-old outfielder who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies after an incident where he brought beer into the dugout, leading to a confrontation with the team's manager and president of baseball operations.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who benched Castellanos after the dugout beer incident and had a confrontation with him about it.

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, who was involved in the confrontation with Castellanos over the dugout beer incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We aired out our differences and the conversation ended with me apologizing for letting my emotions get the best of me.”

— Nick Castellanos (foxsports.com)

What’s next

The Phillies are expected to replace Castellanos in right field with Adolis Garcia, who signed a $10 million, one-year contract with the team in December.

The takeaway

This incident with Castellanos highlights the importance of player conduct and chemistry for professional sports teams. While Castellanos was a productive player on the field, his off-field behavior led to his release, showing that teams will not tolerate certain actions, even from star players.