Jesus Castillo’s Live Arm, Projection Excite Angels

What seemed like an innocuous deal at the 2016 trade deadline could reap huge dividends for the Angels.

That’s if Jesus Castillo, the 21-year-old righthander acquired from the Cubs for veteran reliever Joe Smith, continues to develop like he has since last season.

Castillo’s strong start at low Class A Burlington this season—he recorded a 2.37 ERA in his first four starts, allowing 13 hits, striking out 22 and walking two in 19 innings—to earn a promotion to high Class A Inland Empire in May.

“He has a good delivery, a great feel to pitch at such a young age, a projectable body and a little deception in his delivery—the ball really gets on hitters,” farm director Mike LaCassa said.

“That combination makes him an intriguing arm, one we’re excited about.”

Castillo already has shown excellent command of a four-seam fastball that he throws at 90 mph with some cutting action, a two-seam fastball with traditional sink and run, a 76 mph curve and an 83 mph changeup.

His swing-and-miss curve is more of a go-to secondary pitch than his changeup, but Castillo can throw both for strikes.

And at 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, the Venezuela native has plenty of room to grow. The Angels believe Castillo could put on another 25 pounds over the next few years, and with added size and strength should come more velocity.

The Diamondbacks originally signed Castillo in August 2011, then traded him to the Cubs in early 2013 as part of a deal for Tony Campana. He spent his first four pro seasons in Rookie ball, pitching in the Dominican Summer, Venezuelan Summer and Arizona leagues.

After joining the Angels last summer, Castillo struck out 23 and walked seven in 29.2 innings over six starts at Burlington.

— Mike DiGiovanna covers the Angels for the Los Angeles Times