Newly signed Boston Red Sox center fielder Rusney Castillo is a relative unknown, but the club and its fans are slowly starting to see the vague scouting reports actualize as he begins his American career.
Castillo started his new baseball life over the weekend when he made his American professional debut with the team’s Gulf Coast League affiliate. The results were mixed, but this period represents an opportunity for Castillo to return to game shape and get acclimated.
While it’s still unknown exactly what kind of big-league player Castillo will become, the toolsy outfielder is focusing on playing the same way he’s always played.
“I’ve always been an aggressive player,” Castillo told reporters through a translator Monday, according to the Boston Herald. “I was an aggressive player in Cuba, and I’m going to remain the same kind of player.
“I’m just going to play the same game I’ve always played. I can’t control what level I’m playing at. I can only control the type of player I am.”
Castillo asked to play all nine innings on Sunday, but he was limited to just five. He hit leadoff and played center field while going 0-for-3 with an RBI on a bases-loaded walk. Castillo didn’t have to make any plays in center field.
“I feel good,” Castillo said through a translator, according to the Herald. “The results aren’t what I wanted, but the important thing is I’m seeing pitches and logging some game ABs.”
Castillo’s next step will be a stop in Portland with Boston’s Double-A club on Wednesday.
Photo via Twitter/@PerfectGamePR
