Last season, Nick Castellanos signed a $100 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
However, the outfielder struggled for most of the regular season and playoffs, hitting only 13 home runs and 62 RBIs.
This year, however, Castellanos has been in top form and has played a crucial role in the Phillies’ bid for a second consecutive playoff berth.
In their recent game against the New York Mets, Castellanos had an outstanding performance, hitting a home run, a single, a sacrifice fly, and knocking in four runs to help secure a 5-4 win.
With 28 home runs, including four in his last four games, and a career-high 103 RBIs, Castellanos appears much more comfortable and confident at the plate.
The Phillies, who currently hold the top wild-card spot in the National League, will face the Mets again on Friday in the second game of a four-game series.
Castellanos expressed his pride in driving in runs and scoring runs, stating that these are the two statistics that matter most to him.
Bryce Harper also had a strong showing with two hits, while Alec Bohm hit a solo home run.
The Phillies will rely on right-hander Taijuan Walker (15-5, 4.40 ERA) to start on Friday.
In his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals, Walker gave up eight hits and five runs in seven innings, but still managed to attack the hitters and provide some length.
He has a 1-2 record with a 2.66 ERA in four career starts against his former team.
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On the other hand, the Mets have had a rather forgettable season filled with losses, injuries, and prolonged slumps, despite their hefty payroll.
In their recent game against the Phillies, they fell to 10-9 this month, sealing a losing season for them.
With Mark Vientos hitting a home run and Jeff McNeil adding a single, double, triple, and one RBI, the Mets attempted to rebound but ultimately fell short.
Francisco Lindor had two hits and Brett Baty chipped in with an RBI single.
Manager Buck Showalter acknowledged that the team has been competing, but the scoreboard does not always show it.
Right-hander Tylor Megill (8-8, 4.94) is set to start for the Mets on Friday, having given up three runs (two earned) on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings in his last outing against the Cincinnati Reds.
Showalter praised Megill for giving the team a chance to win but acknowledged the challenges of scoring runs in recent games. Megill has a 2-1 record with a 2.40 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies.
