Cincinnati Reds’ Luis Castillo justifies trade of Dan Straily

The Cincinnati Reds traded Dan Straily to the Miami Marlins for three prospects.

When the Cincinnati Reds traded Dan Straily to the Miami Marlins for Austin Brice, Isaiah White, and Luis Castillo, the commentary was immediate and brutal.  Straily was the most consistent starter for the Reds last year.  Now Brice and Castillo are trying to prove the Reds right.

Brice made his Reds’ debut on May 5th.  He pitched two innings of shutout ball and didn’t allow a run until his fourth outing.  So far this season, Brice’s WHIP is a very respectable 1.11.

Unfortunately, Brice followed an exceptional first month with a sub-par second month.  In June Brice’s WHIP ballooned to 1.84.  In turn his season long ERA is now 4.07.

White’s season just started, so there isn’t much to talk about.  He played in low A-ball for the Marlins last year, but is in rookie ball for the Reds this year.  He is a high ceiling player that has much developmental work to complete.

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Those early returns from Brice and White fully placed all eyes on Castillo as he has progressed.  He had a good start to the season and recently made it to the big leagues.  He could stay in the Reds’ rotation for awhile.

Luis Castillo so impressed the Cincinnati Reds that he made the jump from Pensacola to the major league rotation.

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Castillo shared the spotlight in Pensacola with Tyler Mahle.  Mahle pitched a perfect game for Pensacola and has been spectacular all season, but doesn’t appear to be as polished as Castillo.  He also isn’t on the forty man roster yet.

Castillo made 14 starts for the Blue Wahoos before the Reds called him up.  He was only 4-4, but that doesn’t tell anything in depth.  His 1.01 WHIP and .233 batting average against tells a more accurate picture.

While in Double-A, Castillo had 4 starts allowing three or fewer hits.  He also pitched at least five innings in 12 of his 14 starts, averaging 5 2/3 innings per start.  His 81 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings validates that his stuff was ready for a promotion.

In his MLB debut Castillo pitched five innings allowing a pair of runs on solo home runs.  His WHIP was a gigantic 2.00, but he worked his way out of trouble.  He also uncharacteristically allowed five walks.

Next: Brandon Finnegan is back!

With Scott Feldman and Tim Adleman holding down the fort, Castillo could be a great complement.  Brandon Finnegan comes back Monday, meaning the Reds may only need one more starter to make a go of things.  That alone may justify the trade of Straily for Brice and Castillo,