Marlins Have A Not-So-Secret Castillo

MIAMI—Luis Castillo didn’t begin the season as one of the Marlins’ top prospects, but his right arm is telling a different story.

“We’ve seen 101 (mph),” high Class A Jupiter pitching coach Jeremy Powell said. “He routinely reaches 100 and averages 96-97 every time out.”

The Marlins acquired Castillo, a 23-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, from the Giants as part of the Casey McGehee deal in December 2014.

Castillo began his Marlins career as a reliever last year at low Class A Greensboro before moving to the rotation in June and then to Jupiter in July.

Back in the Florida State League this season, Castillo went 5-2, 2.22 through nine starts, recording 7.3 strikeouts and 1.0 walks per nine innings.

“He took right to the change from a durability standpoint,” Powell said. “He’s always had a really good arm, but he’s turned himself into a prospect.”

The key for Castillo, who turned pro with the Giants in December 2011, will be his breaking pitches.

“His slider has a lot of depth to it,” Powell said. “It acts almost like a curve, and it’s becoming a plus pitch for him.

“He also has a power changeup, and he’s learning to not push it and just let the grip make the action. It’s a weapon against lefty hitters.”

Jupiter manager Randy Ready said Castillo has been “outstanding”, doing everything the organization has asked.

“With that three-pitch mix and an overpowering fastball, it probably won’t be long before he’s on the move (to Double-A Jacksonville),” Ready said.

Powell and Ready agreed Castillo has a great attitude and the ability to overcome in-game adversity.

“He’s probably a bit underrated,” Powell said, “but if he is a secret, he won’t be a secret for long.”

FISH BITES

• The Marlins claimed righthander Asher Wojciechowski on waivers from the Astros. The 27-year-old logged a 4.39 ERA over 351 innings at the Triple-A level since 2013.

• Righthander Jarred Cosart suffered from vertigo in 2015 and this year had run up a 4.60 ERA through six starts at Triple-A New Orleans. He allowed opponents to hit .299.