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Orioles Snag Luis F. Castillo: A New Chapter for the Struggling Pitcher
Major League Baseball saw a bit of a roster shakeup this week when the Baltimore Orioles acquired right-handed pitcher Luis F. Castillo from the Seattle Mariners in a cash deal. This isn't the Luis Castillo you're thinking of – the Mariners still have their three-time All-Star, Luis M. Castillo – but this Luis F. Castillo is hoping for a fresh start in Baltimore.
Castillo's Journey to Baltimore
Castillo, 30, had a rough start to the 2025 season with the Mariners. In two major league starts, he posted a dismal 7.71 ERA, accumulating five strikeouts and seven walks across seven innings. His performance in Triple-A Tacoma wasn't much better, with a 5.02 ERA in four starts.
- Seattle Mariners Release: Castillo's struggles led to his designation for assignment by the Mariners to make room for newly acquired outfielder Leody Taveras.
- Minor League Stats: While his major league numbers were concerning, Castillo showed some promise in the minors, boasting a 2.44 ERA in 59 minor league innings from 2022-2025.
- Previous Experience: Before joining the Mariners, Castillo pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 2022, and also spent time playing in Japan.
The Orioles, currently struggling at the bottom of the AL East, see potential in Castillo and believe a change of scenery could be beneficial. They've optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk to work on his game and hopefully rediscover his form. This move signifies Baltimore's proactive approach to improving their pitching staff amidst a challenging season.
The Orioles' Roster Moves
To make room for Castillo on their 40-man roster, the Orioles designated left-handed pitcher Walter Pennington for assignment. Pennington, 27, had a rough stint in the Orioles' farm system before this DFA. His brief major league experience last year with the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers was more successful.
The Orioles are hoping Castillo can become a valuable asset, providing depth in their pitching rotation or bullpen if he's able to improve his performance in Norfolk.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Mariners, this trade was a strategic move to clear roster space after acquiring Taveras. Losing Castillo opens up a spot for Taveras, and the Mariners are confident their major league rotation can still perform well despite this change.
The Orioles, on the other hand, see this acquisition as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If Castillo can regain his form, he could provide a much-needed boost to their pitching staff. The move highlights Baltimore's commitment to finding solutions and improving their chances in the competitive AL East.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Luis F. Castillo by the Baltimore Orioles is a gamble, a calculated risk in a season that needs a spark. His performance in Triple-A Norfolk will be closely watched, as his success or failure could significantly impact the Orioles' playoff hopes. For Castillo, it's a chance to prove himself in a new environment, to leave behind the struggles of the beginning of the season and to potentially rewrite his 2025 narrative.
