Just before noon on Friday, it was announced that the Boston Red Sox would put relief pitcher Carson Smith back on the disabled list with continuing elbow issues, as well as place starting left fielder Brock Holt on the 7-day concussions disabled list. With the moves, the Red Sox were forced to recall players to fill their empty positions, and they opted to bring back right-handed pitcher Noe Ramirez and catcher-turned-left fielder Blake Swihart.
Blake Swihart chosen over Rusney Castillo
With the news that fan-favorite Holt would be out for a bit, many Red Sox fans and those who cover the team expected to see outfielder Rusney Castillo get another chance after a rough start to the season. The Red Sox brought Castillo to Boston as an international free agent a couple of years ago. Coming from Cuba, Rusney was considered to be a future big league star,
Coming from Cuba, Rusney was considered to be a future big league star. The Red Sox clearly agreed with that notion, as they made a huge splash by signing him to a seven-year contract worth in excess of $70 million. People around the league, and Red Sox fans in particular, were extremely excited to see what the kid would do now that he was finally in America.
Well, things did not go anywhere near as planned, as Castillo has not played at a level worth anywhere near his contract. In his time in Boston, Rusney has hit for a .265 average and has driven in 35 runs. The sad part is, the numbers actually make him look better than he has been.
Rusney was extremely inconsistent throughout last season, and that continued into this season, leading to him being sent down to triple-A Pawtucket last month. The consensus thought was that Castillo could get at-bats in the minors and be ready to return the big league club if one of the team’s other outfielder was forced to miss time. Well, that exact opportunity presented itself, and the what did the Red Sox do? They brought up another guy.
Not just another guy, but a CATCHER. Rather than bring their 70 plus million dollar outfielder back to Boston to take Holt’s spot, they chose to put a catcher in Blake Swihart in the outfield.
I don’t know about you, but that tells me quite a bit. Barring the release of some new information, it appears the team may have completely given up on a guy that was once thought to be a future star for this team. Rusney Castillo was brought to Boston at a hefty price tag to be an impact player for the Red Sox for quite a few years, and now two years into the deal he is unable to beat out a catcher for an outfield spot left vacant by a DL stint.
With the recall of Blake Swihart, the Boston Red Sox are making a huge statement regarding Rusney Castillo. Unless the 27-year-old is able to make some drastic improvements, the franchise may officially give up on him very soon.
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