WATCH: Nick Castellanos' hit by pitch creates chaos as benches clear in Phillies vs. Rays game
Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies were at the bottom of the eighth inning when chaos erupted in Citizen's Bank Park. The Phillies had a 9-4 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays while Castellanos was drilled with a 96 mph sinker by Edwin Uceta.
Bryce Harper was at second base as the Phils were keen on extending their lead. However, Uceta's sinker took things for a turn after hitting Nick Castellanos on his back. Castellanos was unhappy with the pitch as he was seen throwing his bat and walking up to the mound.
The Phillies slugger started to yell at Uceta, and in no time, the benches were cleared, with Harper rushing to support his teammate. The bullpens were empty as the Rays and Phillies players rushed toward the mound. No punches were thrown as Brandon Marsh and third base coach Dusty Wathan held Harper back, and they prevented further escalation.
The Phillies continued as they went on to win the game with a 9-4 final score, retaining the best record in the MLB.
Nick Castellanos had an overwhelming sense of getting hit
In a post-game interview with KYW New Radio, Nick Castellanos said he had an overwhelming sense that he was about to get hit. The slugger further stated that he had no beef Uceta.
"I got into the box I wasn't even swinging because I thought that there was a chance that could happen. I think he was just pissed off that his numbers got messed up," Castellanos said.
Castellanos further said he saw Uceta frustrated while pitching to him since his ERA had increased.
"Just watching him, I could see him getting frustrated, and I was digging in, and I'm like, I'm gonna take this pitch right here to see if he's around the plate, and it wasn't anywhere near around the plate. He was just pissed off that he got hit around and his ERA shot through the roof," Castellanos continued.
Castellanos plays a crucial role for the Phillies and getting hit-by-pitch is naturally a huge concern for Phillies fans. Luckily, there was nothing serious after the incident, as he is expected to get back on the field in the next game.