Rusney Castillo was far more active in his second rodeo.
While Castillo’s second game with the Boston Red Sox yielded only an infield single offensively, the Cuban outfielder was tested early and often defensively. It was a stark contrast from Castillo’s major league debut — in which he recorded one putout — but the 27-year-old was up to the challenge as the Red Sox defeated the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 in 10 innings at Camden Yards.
“I’ve actually felt pretty comfortable out there,” Castillo told reporters in Baltimore through a translator following his second big league game in center field. “It’s a credit to the coaching staff. I’ve gotten a lot of work in a short amount of time. That coupled with the advanced scouting reports and good positioning has really helped me become pretty comfortable there quickly.”
Castillo certainly looked the part in Friday’s series opener. Alejandro De Aza and David Lough wasted no time in challenging Castillo, shooting a pair of line drives to center field to lead off the bottom of the first inning. Castillo made two excellent reads and reeled in both, even sliding to corral Lough’s sinking liner.
The first-inning defensive work set the table for a fairly busy night in the field, as Castillo recorded six putouts, showcasing both good instincts and plus-range along the way. He also recorded his first career outfield assist in the fifth inning, gunning down De Aza at home to preserve a 3-1 lead.
Castillo’s throw to the plate that nabbed De Aza wasn’t perfect. It was a little bit up the third base line and catcher Christian Vazquez deserves credit for his effort in completing the out. Castillo benefited from an excellent jump on Lough’s single into center field, though, and his one-hop throw to Vazquez followed a very quick release that further expedited the process.
“Early on, he got some really quick jumps, quick reads on some balls (and) sinking line drives,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said. “He makes a nice throw to cut down a run at the plate. I think in just his second game, the ability to take the reads and routes that he did, that was impressive tonight.”
Castillo’s performance at the dish mirrored his Game 1 results. He went 1-for-4 with an infield single. If there’s one aspect of Castillo’s game that could take time to develop, it’s his offense, largely because he’s still getting his feet wet after a significant gap in game action amid his defection from Cuba.
It’s unfair to draw any conclusions based on Castillo’s performance through two games and/or how he finishes this season. However, his second game with the Red Sox certainly lined up with general manager Ben Cherington’s assessment that Castillo does a lot of things well.
Clearly, the defensive potential is there.
Photo via Joy R. Absalon/USA TODAY Sports
