Castellanos Adapts to Bench Role, Sparks Padres

0:00It's April 29th. You're listening to MLB News today, AI-powered baseball coverage. I'm Corey with the story. The San Diego Padre scooped up former All-Star Outfielder Nick Castellanos on a league minimum deal after the Philadelphia Phillies let him go. This two-time All-Star and ex-silver slugger joined as a low-risk ad to their roster, catching many by surprise during the off-season planning. Early in the season though, Castellanos has hit a rough patch, batting just 154 with seven runs batted in and an OPS of 412 across. Seventeen games. Mostly put toon now, it's a big shift from his everyday role over four years in Philly. He's owning the adjustment, staying ready despite missing that daily rhythm he thrives on. For a vet like him, bench time stings, but the Padre's aren't rushing him into the lineup while he's scuffling. Lately, there's a spark on Monday. He delivered a clutch two-run single with two outs in the fifth to grab the lead. Major Craig Stamman highlighted how hard Castellanos is grinding to adapt from 500 ad

1:04bats a year to sporadic chances. San Diego plans to stick with him for now, betting the former star finds his groove and contributes down the stretch.