"Rob Thomson's like the plate spinner" - Phillies insider gives perspective on skipper's decision with Nick Castellanos, Max Kepler

The Philadelphia Phillies have been trying out a number of combinations in their outfield of late. Depending on the pitcher and team they are set to face, Phillies skipper Rob Thomson starts three of the four main outfielders in his roster: Nick Castellanos, Harrison Bader, Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh.

Speaking about how Thomson has seemingly managed each outfielder's playing time to perfection so far, insider Scott Lauber likened him to a "plate spinner" at a circus, as he featured on "97.5 The Fanatic" on Friday.

"To me, Rob Thomson's like the plate spinner in the circus. He's trying to keep five plates spinning at the same time, when he knows that he can only really use three of them. For two and a half weeks now, he's somehow managed to do that. He's trying to keep those five guys going at the same time. I think there are going to be nights where [Nick] Castellanos plays right and [Max] Kepler still plays left.

"I think there going to be nights where [Brandon] Marsh plays left and Kepler plays right. The only constant at this moment is Harrison Bader, who seems to be the center fielder right now, but that can change as well. Thomson's very very aware of the fact that in Castellanos' long career now, there have been really really scorching hot streaks around the bend, right after cold streaks, and he doesn't want to miss that by sitting him [all the time]," Lauber said [5:27]

---

Phillies skipper Rob Thomson decided to sit Harrison Bader in Friday's game against the Braves

Like Scott Lauber acknowledged, though Harrison Bader did appear to be the "regular" center fielder of choice for Rob Thomson, that too, was subject to change at any time.

It only took Thomson hours to do so, as he has decided to hand Bader a breather for when the Phillies take on the Braves on Friday night, fielding an outfield consisting of Kepler in left, Marsh in center and Castellanos in right.

Atlanta Braves v Philadelphia Phillies - Source: Getty

With the Phillies comfortably on course for the NL East title, there appears to be no harm to Thomson's methods for now.

In addition to making sure everyone is well rested for the postseason, this also allows the him to find his best performing outfield setup before the most important games of the season in October.