Nick Castellanos wanted a little more respect.
In the latest clash between an MLB player and umpire, the Phillies outfielder delivered a message to home plate ump Derek Thomas after receiving an automatic strike for a seemingly quiet pitch-clock violation before his at-bat even began to start the top of the seventh inning of Monday’s 8-6 loss to the Red Sox.
“Out of respect for somebody who’s been in the league over 10 years, you gotta f–king speak up brother,” Castellanos told Thomas in a heated moment.
Batters must be in the box and “alert to the pitcher” by the eight-second mark on the timer, or be called for an automatic strike, according to MLB rules.
Neither the encounter nor the 0-1 count were enough to raise tensions any higher, with Castellanos eventually drawing a six-pitch walk off Zach Kelly and eventually coming around to score to make it an 8-5 game.
It was not enough to help the Phillies overcome blowing a 4-0 lead against in Boston, yet another tough blow to a team that lost is star catcher, J.T. Realmuto, for 6-8 weeks due to knee surgery.
At 46-21, Philadelphia enters Thursday’s rematch with the Sox atop the National League, powered, in part by Castellanos’ bat.
The 32-year-old has racked up 55 hits, nine homers, and 29 RBIs in 255 at-bats this season.
The Phillies have plenty of history with the pitch clock, which was implemented before the 2023 season.
The team asked for an exemption for slugger Bryce Harper last season after he returned from elbow surgery that necessitated him donning an arm brace whenever he reached base — before the next pitch was thrown.
MLB denied the request for an exemption.
“I mean, we talked all the way up to Mr. Manfred and they said we wouldn’t have more time to do that,” Harper said. “Pace of play thing, of course. It’s going to be tough in those situations, you have what, 22 seconds to get going? I hope some umpires have some feel about it. Some umpires usually do, so I appreciate that out of them. But we’ll see.
“I know they’re going to try to get me extra time but if they’re not, then I won’t be able to get it on and get it going.”