The Rusney Castillo era will begin in the Steel City.
Castillo is expected to join the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday before their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, according to manager John Farrell. The Cuban outfielder has been playing in the minors — most recently with Triple-A Pawtucket — since signing a seven-year, $72.5 million contract last month.
Castillo is expected to be among five final call-ups Tuesday. There are seven healthy candidates remaining on Boston’s 40-man roster: Castillo, Bryce Brentz, Alex Hassan, Ryan Lavarnway, Garin Cecchini, Edwin Escobar and Heath Hembree.
It’s likely Castillo will be a member of the Red Sox’s starting outfield in 2015. The 27-year-old projects as a center fielder, meaning he’ll split time with Jackie Bradley Jr. down the stretch now that Mookie Betts is slated to play second base in the absence of Dustin Pedroia and Brock Holt.
Castillo delivered a game-tying single in the ninth inning Friday as the Pawtucket Red Sox forced a decisive Game 5 in their Governors’ Cup finals series against the Durham Bulls.
