For as much as the Los Angeles Dodgers championed their organizational depth, one of the prime examples this past season was Fabio Castillo. He was signed to a Minor League contract last January, deal that included a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.
Castillo yielded a 4.50 ERA in eight innings pitched over five Cactus League games, with each of his appearances coming prior to reassignment to Minor League camp on March 19. Of the minimal work Castillo received, three of his outings were without an earned run allowed.
The 28-year-old began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City but was demoted to Double-A Tulsa after one start. Castillo was 0-1 with a 1.29 ERA in seven innings of relief across three appearances for the Drillers.
In 22 games (16 starts) with Oklahoma City, he went 4-8 with a 4.27 ERA, 85 strikeouts against 31 walks. Castillo had his contract purchased and was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster in June, only to immediately be optioned back to OKC.
The paper move was in response to Castillo receiving interest from a team overseas, which triggered an opt-out clause. By placing him on their 40-man roster, the Dodgers prevented Castillo from pursuing other opportunities.
Castillo was then among the initial wave of players called up on the first day active rosters expanded. However, his time with the club was short-lived.
Castillo struck out a pair and threw 1.1 scoreless innings against the San Diego Padres in his MLB debut. He struggled the following night, allowing two runs on three hits without retiring any of the four batters faced.
The Dodgers designated Castillo for assignment on Sept. 6, in a corresponding move to calling up Walker Buehler from Oklahoma City. Castillo cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Minors, but now is among the Dodgers’ free agents.
2017 Highlight
Aside from making his MLB debut, Castillo had a stretch of five games with Oklahoma City where he struck out at least five batters in four of the games. He went 3-1 with one save, a 2.63 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 24 innings pitched, while holding opponents to a .221/.284/.302 batting line.
2018 Outlook
It stands to reason the Dodgers would have interest in re-signing Castillo on another Minor League deal. But in the event Castillo is presented with a Major League opportunity, he presumably would be bound for another organization.
