Boston Red Sox’s Rusney Castillo expected to get call up

Though the Boston Red Sox are already eliminated from playoff contention, on Tuesday the team could call up one of its recent signings, Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who agreed to a record-breaking seven-year, $72.5-million dollar deal with Boston in late August. Castillo defected from Cuba in November, and since signing the contract has been playing in the Red Sox minor league system.

More from Boston Red Sox

• After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
• MLB Rumors: Potential Braves reunion, Lance Lynn no-trade clause and Orioles deadline intentions
• Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
• MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
• MLB Rumors: Braves trade package, White Sox-Reds deal, Mets disaster

The 27-year old Castillo was one of Cuba’s top base-stealing threats, and can play center field and right field, and does have some power. He’s expected to be among the Red Sox’s last call ups this year:

Castillo is 27, and has played competitively in Cuba since 2008, and made Cuba’s provisional roster for the 2013 World Baseball Classic but did not make the final roster, and was later suspended “for violating the ethics code of revolutionary baseball.”

Rumors of a prior defection attempt surfaced but were never confirmed, and prior to signing and playing in Boston’s minor-league system, Castillo had not played competitive baseball in 18 months. It’s understandable that in addition to any Major League learning curve Castillo might encounter, he’s probably going to have some rust as well due to the time off, so Red Sox fans might do well to temper their enthusiasms for Castillo in 2014. Castillo will have fellow Cuban Yoenis Cespedes to help him make the transition to MLB.