New York Daily News

Had his Phil of Fortnite

- BY MARK FISCHER

Carlos Santana's biggest hit last season came against a “Fortnite” character.

Frustrated several of his Phillies teammates were more concerned with winning the popular video game than a September matchup against a rival, the veteran used a bat to crush th TV set in their clubhouse.

"I see a couple players — I don't want to say names — they play video games during the game," the veteran first baseman told ESPN. "We come and lose too many games, and I feel like they weren't worried about it. Weren't respecting their teammates or coaches or the staff or the (front) office. It's not my personalit­y. But I'm angry because I want to make it good."

The unidentifi­ed Phillies must have found better luck in the virtual world than the real one that day, which ended with a 10-2 loss to the Braves.

At that point, the Phillies' season was already lost. After having lingered near the top of the NL East, they fell off in the second half before missing the postseason for the seventh straight year.

"Our clubhouse chemistry was great when we were winning," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler told ESPN. "When we were losing and fading out of the playoff race, everyone was frustrated and searching for answers. This is common, in my experience.”

While Santana returned to his longtime home in Cleveland this offseason, following a short pit stop in Seattle, the effects of his outburst are still being felt down by Broad St.

Ahead of this season, Kapler solicited 13 veterans and clubhouse leaders to draw up a policy that calls for players to come out for the national anthem and stay within the dugout during games.

This could all spell bad news for apparent Fortnite fanatic and $330 million Phillie Bryce Harper.

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