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The San Diego Padres designated outfielder Nick Castellanos for assignment Wednesday, a day after receiving a video tribute upon his return to Philadelphia.
Castellanos was released by the Phillies in February just before their first full-squad workout in 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 flyer on him and only spent the league minimum, 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 raised his cap to encourage fans after a short video tribute highlighting some of his swipe catches from his time with the Phillies.
The Padres selected the contract of infielder/flyer Samad Taylor from Triple-A El Paso before Wednesday’s game.
Associated Press reporting.
