Rusney Castillo’s work will extend into the offseason.
Castillo, who signed a seven-year, $72.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox last month, will play in both the Arizona Fall League and the Puerto Rico Winter League after the 2014 Major League Baseball season ends, according to manager John Farrell.
The current plan calls for Castillo to garner at least 200 at-bats before 2015 spring training. Castillo entered Friday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards with 50 plate appearances in 12 games — 11 minor league games, one major league game — since signing with Boston.
Castillo will report to the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League, which begins play Oct. 7, shortly after the Red Sox’s season wraps up next weekend. He’ll play alongside several Red Sox prospects, including Deven Marrero and Sean Coyle. The Cuban outfielder then will join Puerto Rico’s Criollos de Caguas.
Farrell estimates Castillo will reach the necessary number of at-bats around mid-November. The 27-year-old played five seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional before defecting and signing with the Red Sox.
