Castillo has moved rapidly through the Rays organization since signing for $64,000 out of the Dominican Republic as a 20-year-old in 2014. He has received in-season promotions in each of the past three campaigns, and parlayed a strong performance in the Arizona Fall League in 2016 into stints at Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham in 2017. In 71.2 combined innings, the chunky, hard-throwing righthander went 15-for-18 in save opportunities, including saves in both the Governors' Cup-clinching victory and the Triple-A national championship game. Castillo is a classic fastball/slider, high-effort reliever who has touched 101 mph with his four-seamer. He generates a lot of ground balls but tends to give up a fair number of hits when hitters start making contact. Castillo has good overall control and command, but gets in trouble when he overthrows, reducing the movement on his pitches. Despite his late-season success as a closer, Castillo profiles better as a high-leverage reliever. He will compete for a job in the Rays bullpen in 2018.
Career Transactions
St. Paul Saints activated RHP Diego Castillo.
Minnesota Twins optioned RHP Diego Castillo to St. Paul Saints.
Minnesota Twins selected the contract of RHP Diego Castillo from St. Paul Saints.
RHP Diego Castillo assigned to St. Paul Saints.
Minnesota Twins signed free agent RHP Diego Castillo to a minor league contract.
RHP Diego Castillo elected free agency.
St. Paul Saints activated RHP Diego Castillo.
Minnesota Twins designated RHP Diego Castillo for assignment.
Minnesota Twins optioned RHP Diego Castillo to St. Paul Saints.
Minnesota Twins selected the contract of RHP Diego Castillo from St. Paul Saints.
Round Rock Express released RHP Diego Castillo.
Tacoma Rainiers activated RHP Diego Castillo from the temporarily inactive list.
Tacoma Rainiers placed RHP Diego Castillo on the temporarily inactive list.
Seattle Mariners sent RHP Diego Castillo outright to Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners sent RHP Diego Castillo outright to Tacoma Rainiers.
Seattle Mariners optioned RHP Diego Castillo to Tacoma Rainiers.
Tacoma Rainiers activated RHP Diego Castillo.
Seattle Mariners optioned RHP Diego Castillo to Tacoma Rainiers.
Dominican Republic activated RHP Diego Castillo.
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