NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The San Diego Padres designated outfielder Nick Castellanos for assignment Wednesday, a day after he received a video tribute in his return to Philadelphia.
Castellanos was released by the Phillies in February just prior to their first full-squad practice of spring training. The Phillies released him even though they owed him $20 million for the final season of a five-year, $100 million contract.
The Padres took a flier on him and only spent the league minimum of about $780,000 on him this season. Castellanos never returned to his two-time All-Star form in limited action with San Diego. He hit .191 with a .560 OPS, four home runs and 20 RBIs in 39 games for the Padres.
Castellanos spent four seasons with the Phillies but was not in the lineup for his return game in Philadelphia’s 3-2 victory Tuesday night. He tipped his cap to cheering fans after a short video tribute that highlighted some of his sliding catches from his time with the Phillies.
The Padres optioned the contract of infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor from Triple-A El Paso prior to Wednesday’s game.
Report from the Associated Press.
