Reds news: Pitcher Luis Castillo is back at Great American Ball Park

Reds ace Luis Castillo took a selfie while working out at Great American Ball Park.

According to beat reporter Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, a few Cincinnati Reds players are able to workout at the team’s facilities in Cincinnati and Arizona. On Wednesday, Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo snapped selfie of himself on the field at Great American Ball Park.

Sheldon reports that many restrictions exist, but a few players are able to workout at GABP and the Reds spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. Castillo and Jesse Winker are among those allowed into Great American Ball Park. In order for players to workout at Reds facilities, players must currently reside in either Cincinnati or Arizona.

The Reds have other limitations that players and staff must abide by when working out at team facilities. All players and staff must have their temperature taken before entering team facilities and are subject to a daily COVID-19 screening. Masks are required when not actively working out and no more than four players are allowed inside the facility at one time.

While the restrictions may be disheartening, it’s very encouraging to see Luis Castillo back on the field. Last season, La Piedra went to his first All-Star Game, cemented himself as the team’s ace and thrust himself into the conversation as one of the best young hurlers in the league.

Castillo in was among the Top 10 in the league in WAR, hits per 9 innings pitched, strikeouts and adjusted ERA+. The Reds right-hander was likely on track to become the team’s first back-to-back Opening Day starter since Johnny Cueto toed the rubber on April 6, 2015.

Major League Baseball and the Player’s Association are currently in negotiations of hoe to restart the 2020 season. The talks seem to have hit a snag in regards to money, as the season will likely have to start without fans in attendance, something that’s likely to have a huge impact on the owner’s revenue.

Reports are that the league is hopeful to restart the season as early as the first week in July, but the longer the season is delayed due to economic factors, the more likely it is the season will be pushed back, or perhaps cancelled all together.

Hopefully, MLB and the MLBPA are able to find common ground and set a date for the start of the 2020 season. Until then, players like Luis Castillo will get in some work at team facilities. The Reds will need a big-time performance from their ace in 2020 if Cincinnati hopes to compete for a division title.