3 Phillies Who Won't Return After Being Eliminated On Brutal 11th Inning Error
After dominating the National League East this season with 96 wins, the Philadelphia Phillies came into the NLDS with high hopes, despite having to face the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
They had a chance to take the series to a 5th and deciding game, until a wild error in the 11th inning ended their season Thursday night in crushing fashion. Now, several Phillies are sure to be cast out from the City of Brotherly Love.
"OH MY GOODNESS! HE THROWS IT AWAY! AND THE DODGERS HAVE WON! ...AND YOUR HEART BREAKS FOR ORION KERKERING!"
That was the call from Brian Anderson on TBS, as Phillies reliever Kerkering uncorked that wild walk-off error with the bases loaded and two outs.
So let's review who won't be returning once all the dust settles:
Nick Castellanos
We'll start with the truckulent outfielder, who has had a rocky relationship with manager Rob Thomson, as he saw his playing time reduced this season. Castellanos made no bones about the lack of communication he had with his manager.
Nick Castellanos was asked if he understands why he hasn’t played as often.
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) September 20, 2025
“I don’t really talk to Rob all that often … Communication over the years has been questionable, at least in my experience.”
(via @GraceDelPizzo) pic.twitter.com/ucqEiWadSL
He's also had some not-so-pleasant things to say about the Philly fans during these playoffs, and with one year to run at $20 million, it's almost certain that Dave Dombrowski will look to ship the defiant outfielder out of town.
Jordan Romano
Duh. This one is a no-brainer. The former Toronto Blue Jays closer was an absolute disaster in his one season in Philly, pitching to an 8.33 ERA. In fact, it got so bad, he didn't see the mound once after August 25th. He was not on the playoff roster. Needless to say, the Phils consider their $8.5 million one-year deal with Romano this season a massive mistake, and they will not be bringing him back.
Rob Thomson
The manager seems to be beloved in the Phillies clubhouse (with the exception of Castellanos, of course—see above). He's a player's manager. But is he tough enough to demand the most out of this talented team? This will be a tough call for Dombrowski, as they've been a regular-season juggernaut, posting 90, 95 and 96 wins the last three years, from 2023 through 2025, respectively.
Unfortunately, Thomson's teams have only won one NL pennant in his four years at the helm, back in 2022. Since then, they've lost in the NLCS then the NLDS twice.
