Reds' under-the-radar trade acquisition from Luis Castillo deal is excelling in minor leagues

Nearly two years ago, the Cincinnati Reds traded starting pitcher Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners for a slew of prospects. This list of prospects was headlined by shortstops Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo.

While Marte and Arroyo have received a large portion of attention from the baseball world, relief pitcher Andrew Moore has been making waves of his own of late. Despite a slow start in his first two appearances this year, Moore has been brilliant over his last six games with the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Since April 16, Moore has given up just one run on 10 hits and seven walks. Through this impressive stretch, Moore has a 0.90 ERA and has only managed to give up three extra-base hits to the tune of one homer and two doubles in 10 innings.

Reds' under-the-radar trade acquisition, Andrew Moore, from Luis Castillo deal is excelling

One of Moore’s key strengths has been his longevity in games. He has gone 2-plus innings in four of his last six showings while facing 47 batters. Moore, who started last season on the IL, has certainly shown that he has a very high ceiling throughout his time with both Seattle and Cincinnati, but that is not without some hiccups.

Moore, who pitched in the Arizona Fall League last year, seems to struggle with his command as well as his ability to limit baserunners. Aside from all the highs of this six-game stretch, Moore also carries a 1.700 WHIP alongside a .270 batting average against. The right-hander clearly shows signs of being a great power reliever who can fan hitters when called on, but his .429 BABIP is scary to look at. 

That being said, Moore is continuing to build on the success he has found so far this year and could work his way up into being one of the top pitching prospects in the Reds’ system. Fans know that the Reds bullpen has been shaky for far too long, so if Moore keeps pitching at the level he is, he could easily rocket through the upper-levels of the minors. 

With Marte being suspended, Arroyo injured, and Levi Stoudt back with Seattle, this could be a great opportunity for Moore to shine and be the dark horse of the Castillo trade.

More Cincinnati Reds News from Blog Red Machine