Why Phillies slugger could be X-factor in playoffs: 'When (he) gets hot, he gets hot'

If the Philadelphia Phillies are going to win their long-awaited World Series title in 2024, it starts with the offense firing on all cylinders come October.

When the Phillies had success in the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, it was because the lineup was clicking, driving balls out of the ballpark and getting on base top to bottom. But they ultimately met their demise in both seasons because the offense suddenly sputtered.

Given the urgency to win a title in the time frame of Bryce Harper and Trea Turner's contracts, 2024 can hardly be treated as just another season at Citizens Bank Park. And for much of the second half, the offense seemingly came to a halt, setting off panic across the Philly area.

Lately, though, the Phillies have come back to life, winning their last four in a row and scoring 30 runs during the streak. And it's another high-priced slugger, one who was at one point having a dreadful 2024 season, who has been one of the biggest difference-makers.

Right fielder Nick Castellanos, who got off to a treacherous start to the 2024 season through mid-May, has turned his year around with a long stretch of consistent hitting. At times, he has been the only Phillies hitter not slumping. And during the hot stretch, he's been leading the charge.

According to Todd Zoleck i of MLB.com, Castellanos ranks 41st among 133 qualified hitters with an OPS of .803 since May 19. He's gotten even hotter of late, riding a five-game hitting streak through the end of play Tuesday.

Castellanos cranked a three-run home run off the Houston Astros' Justin Verlander, his second in the last three games, on Tuesday night to spark the 5-0 Phillies victory. After that performance, his season OPS+ stood at 100, otherwise known as exactly league-average.

Castellanos' teammates certainly seem to appreciate what he has brought to the table as well.

“When Casty gets hot, he gets hot,” starting pitcher Aaron Nola said, per Zolecki.

Though he hasn't shown up from day one this season, Castellanos appears to be rounding into the form the Phillies need from him if they are going to win it all this year. And with another month to go before the playoffs, the slugger hopes to be firing on all cylinders by October 1.

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