HOUSTON — Luis Castillo, All-Star Luis Castillo, will make his debut in the Houston Marathon Seattle Mariners He starts against the New York Yankees Wednesday
The Mariners bought the right-hander, Cincinnati’s right-hander, on Friday to help them strengthen their rotation in their quest for their first playoff appearance since 2001. This is the longest postseason drought in all four major North American professional sporting leagues.
Seattle, currently at 55-48, is 12 games behind Houston in AL West standings but is second for one of the three wild card spots. Castillo will be the series’ finale, according to Scott Servais, manager.
Castillo is the most popular trade market starter this year. He joins a rotation of traders with Logan Gilbert, Robbie Ray, Marco Gonzales And Chris Flexen.
Castillo was last Wednesday’s Reds starter. The 29-year old was 4-4 with a 2.86 ERA in last-place Cincinnati’s season. In 85 innings, he has only 28 walks and 90 strikeouts.
His strong performance comes a decade after a career-worst 8-16 record. These losses were the worst in the National League. He also had a 3.98 ERA.
Infielders Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo and right-handers Levi Stoudt were traded to the Reds. Marte was the Mariners top-rated prospect. Arroyo was third, and Stoudt was fifth.