BOSTON — A big contract can ease one’s pain. So, too, can a strong mind.
Rusney Castillo is striving for the latter as he rehabs from a shoulder injury suffered over the weekend at Triple-A Pawtucket. It’s the third injury Castillo has suffered since signing a seven-year, $72.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox last August, but the Cuban outfielder is staying positive.
“I wouldn’t say it’s frustrating,” Castillo said through a translator Wednesday at Fenway Park. “Obviously, you’d like to have more consistency, string some more at-bats together. But sometimes things happen for a reason and it’s kind of important to stay strong-willed and keep the bigger picture in mind and move forward.”
Castillo dealt with a thumb injury over the offseason while playing in the Arizona Fall League. He later battled an oblique injury in spring training that forced him to miss time, all but sealing his demotion to the minors. Now, Castillo is on the minor league disabled list with the shoulder ailment, which the 27-year-old suggested isn’t anything major despite representing yet another setback.
“Like anything else, you get a little nervous, I guess a little scared that you think it’s going to be a serious injury,” said Castillo, who suffered the injury while diving for a ball in the PawSox’s game Saturday. “But definitely a little relieved after they told me it wasn’t anything too serious.”
Castillo’s MRI revealed no structural damage, which is good news for the Red Sox, who have high hopes for the dynamic defector despite their crowded outfield. Castillo, who has been dealing with inflammation in his shoulder, said Wednesday he’s feeling better each day, though both he and the organization are taking a wait-and-see approach with regard to his eventual return to game action.
“There’s no specific timeline,” Castillo said. “I know I’m going to miss some time, but to be able to give any exact dates or timeline, I can’t do that. I just hope to be out there pretty soon.”
It’d be easy for frustration to settle in, especially with Castillo looking so impressive when healthy, particularly during his 10-game major league stint last season. But he simply won’t allow the nagging ailments to impact his long-term outlook.
Positivity wins in any language, country or baseball environment.
Thumbnail photo via Keith Srakocic/The Associated Press
