Phillies Release Outfielder Nick Castellanos After Dugout Beer Incident

The veteran player was already on thin ice with the team before the latest incident.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies have released outfielder Nick Castellanos after he brought a beer into the dugout during a game against the Miami Marlins in June 2025. The team's president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, said the decision was not based solely on that incident, but that Castellanos and the team felt it was best to part ways. Castellanos acknowledged in a handwritten letter that he broke team rules and let his emotions get the best of him, thanking his teammates for taking the beer from him before he could drink it.

Why it matters

Bringing alcohol into the dugout is strictly prohibited in Major League Baseball, and Castellanos' actions were seen as a violation of team rules and a lack of discipline. The Phillies had already been frustrated with Castellanos' behavior and attitude, leading them to attempt to trade him prior to this incident.

The details

During the June 16, 2025 game against the Miami Marlins, Phillies manager Rob Thomson removed Castellanos from the game "for defensive purposes." Angry about the decision, Castellanos allegedly talked back sharply to several coaches. This prompted him to grab a beer, which his teammate Howie Kendrick took away before Castellanos could drink it. The Phillies then decided it was best to part ways with the veteran outfielder.

  • On June 16, 2025, Castellanos brought a beer into the Phillies dugout during a game against the Miami Marlins.
  • Castellanos was benched for the Phillies' next game after the dugout beer incident.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A veteran right fielder who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies after bringing a beer into the dugout during a game.

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, who explained the team's decision to release Castellanos.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who removed Castellanos from the game against the Miami Marlins.

Howie Kendrick

A Phillies teammate of Castellanos who took the beer away from him before he could drink it.

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What they’re saying

“I think that we all felt that it was probably in the best interest, to have a change of scenery.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, Philadelphia Phillies (MLB.com)

“As a veteran of the game of baseball, there are rules, and I broke one in Miami. I am sorry for letting my emotions get the best of me.”

— Nick Castellanos (Instagram)

What’s next

The Phillies will look to fill Castellanos' spot on the roster and move forward without the veteran outfielder.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of player discipline and adherence to team rules, even for veteran players. The Phillies felt Castellanos' actions were detrimental to the team's culture and decided a change of scenery was necessary.