Former Reds pitcher Luis Castillo gets the start in Game 1 of the MLB Playoffs

The Seattle Mariners have exorcised the postseason demons and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The Mariners' fanbase can think Nick Krall and Cincinnati Reds front office for providing the likes of Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker, and today's Game 1 starter Luis Castillo.

La Piedra, who went to two All-Star Games while pitching for the Reds, was traded this past July to the Mariners. In return, Cincinnati received shortstop prospect Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arrroyo as well as pitchers Levi Stoudt and Andrew Moore.

Castillo will toe the rubber in today's Wild Card matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays. If Castillo's playoff performance is anything like the right-hander's last outing in 2020, he'll likely send the Mariners' fans home happy.

Former Reds pitcher Luis Castillo starts Game 1 for the Mariners.

While the Cincinnati Reds will be sitting at home this October, you have to believe a good chunk of the fanbase will be rooting for the Seattle Mariners. Not only will Luis Castillo be starting Game 1, but Eugenio Suarez, Curt Casali, and perhaps even Taylor Trammell will be part of the Seattle postseason roster. Jesse Winker will miss the series with a neck injury.

The last time Castillo started a playoff game was back in pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign when he went 5.1 innings of work against the Atlanta Braves and allowed just one run while striking out seven batters.

Castillo has only faced the Toronto Blue Jays once during his career. That lone start saw Castillo yield two runs on seven hits while pitching six innings. That start was in Cincinnati, so this will be Castillo's first trip to the Great White North and the Rogers Centre will, no doubt, be rocking.

But this is why the Seattle Mariners made the trade deadline deal with the Cincinnati Reds. If the M's are hoping to upend the Blue Jays, they'll need a strong outing from Luis Castillo this afternoon.