NEED TO KNOW
The Philadelphia Phillies announced the release of one of its players, Nick Castellanos
The right fielder reacted to the news on social media, sharing his side of the story
The 33-year-old was previously reprimanded for bringing alcohol into a dugout during a game
The Philadelphia Phillies has parted ways with one of its MLB players who previously brought beer into a dugout during a game.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, the Major League Baseball team announced right fielder Nick Castellanos was no longer part of their franchise.
Advertisement
“I think that we all felt that was probably in the best interest, to have a change of scenery,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, the MLB reported.
PEOPLE could not immediately reach the Philadelphia Phillies or reps for Castellanos for comment.
Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, Oct. 6, 2025 in Philadelphia
Hunter Martin/Getty
In a post to social media, the 33-year-old athlete posted a five-photo Instagram carousel, with four of the slides showing a handwritten letter in which he explained his version of events while also thanking those who have supported his journey in the sport.
Advertisement
“Dave [Dombrowski], thank you for the opportunity,” he wrote in the lengthy letter. “Staff, thank you for helping me prepare.”
Castellanos also thanked his teammates, saying, “Playing with you all will be a core memory for the rest of my life.”
Additionally, he thanked the fans “for showing up these past 4 years.” He said whether they were “applauding or booing” they “were there.”
In another slide, Castellanos addressed the “Miami Incident.”
His letter claimed that he’d been tipped off by a friend that “there is an article waiting to come out without my consent or comments about this situation,” prompting his decision to speak out.
Advertisement
“I’m a veteran of the game of baseball there are rules and I broke one in Miami,” Castellanos said.
He explained that the situation unfolded after being ejected from a “close game in front of my friends and family.” The former Phillies player then admitted to bringing a beer into the dugout.
“I then sat right next to [Phillies manager] Rob [Thomson] and let him know that too much slack in some areas and to tight of restrictions in others are not conducive to us winning.”
Advertisement
Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) looks on in the dugout on May 2, 2023
Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Castellanos said that his teammates took the beer away from him before he was able to have a sip, which he appreciated.
He then alleged that when the game ended, he met with Dombrowski and Thomson.
“We aired out our differences and the conversation ended with me apologizing for letting my emotions get the best of me,” Castellanos wrote, adding, “I would like to note, that I was ready to share the details of the incident in its entirety to the media the next day but was instructed not to by management.”
Advertisement
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
He alleged he was benched for the next game as punishment.
“I know a lot is being said about this incident in Miami,” Dombrowski said, per the MLB. “I don’t think it’s necessarily one incident. I just think sometimes you’re in a situation where you’re around day in and day out, things just don’t work at a particular time.”
Advertisement
Thursday’s announcement came after the Phillies were unable to secure a trade deal with Castellanos prior to the team’s first full-squad workout at spring training on Monday, Feb. 16, the Associated Press reported.
Read the original article on People