Phillies fill 40-man roster, bolster depth with waiver claim from Yankees

With less than two weeks until pitchers and catchers get their spring training underway, the Philadelphia Phillies have finally filled all 40 spots on the 40-man roster. In a late Monday afternoon roster move, the Phillies announced the claiming of infielder/outfielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the New York Yankees.

Castillo, 26, was designated for assignment by the Yankees last week. The Phillies plucked him off waivers, adding minor league infield depth to the organization. The native of Venezuela was originally signed by the Yankees in 2014 but ended up in Pittsburgh in 2021 after being traded for Clay Holmes.

The versatile fielder, who has played all over the diamond, made his MLB debut in 2022 with the Pirates, slashing .206/.251/.382 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI and a stolen base in 283 plate appearances.

He was traded to the Diamondbacks and appeared in one game, with one plate appearance, for Arizona last season. After being claimed off waivers by the New York Mets on Jan. 5, the Yankees claimed him again just two weeks later for a short-lived stint before ending up back on waivers.

Castillo will likely begin the season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Last year, in 124 games with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate Reno Aces, the right-hander slashed a healthy .313/.431/.410 with three home runs, 72 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

Castillo has spent time at all four infield positions and the corner outfield positions in both the major and minor leagues. Last year, he split most of his playing time between second, short, and left field.

He has one option year left, so he could find himself up and down this season if the Phillies find themselves shorthanded due to injuries on the big league club.