Max Castillo: C+
Continuing the Phillies’ trend of adding value arms to their roster, they claimed pitcher Max Castillo off waivers from the Boston Red Sox just shortly after the Rucker trade. In a corresponding move, Símon Muzziotti was designated for assignment to make room for Castillo on the 40-man roster. The move was a bit surprising as Muzziotti had been one of the Phillies’ top outfield prospects the past few seasons, while Castillo has yet to secure a permanent major league gig thus far for his career.
Last season with the Kansas City Royals, Castillo was 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in seven relief appearances, as he spent the majority of the time in the minors.
This spring training, Castillo got into four games and struggled with a 6.55 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, giving up eight earned runs, including three home runs, three walks, and seven strikeouts in just 11 innings of work. As a result, he was among the club’s roster cuts and will start the year in Lehigh Valley, barring any injuries to the Phillies’ pitching staff.
Just like Rucker and Mercado, Castillo will serve mainly as pitching depth but provide a little more flexibility in that he has had experience both as a starter and reliever at the major league level.