Boston Red Sox rookie Rusney Castillo has shot up through the minor leagues since signing a record-breaking deal for a Cuban defector in August, and after being up with the big-league for less than a week, Castillo hit his first MLB home run last night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
More from MLB
- After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
- Braves Rumors: 3 trade targets Vaughn Grissom can help Atlanta acquire
- NY Mets leave Justin Verlander in the dark at trade deadline
- This White Sox-Dodgers trade for bullpen help could lead to LA reunion
- MLB Rumors: Surprise team emerges in Cody Bellinger sweepstakes
Castillo, a 27-year old outfielder signed to a seven-year, $72.5-million-dollar contract, has now played in seven games for Boston since being a late September call up. In the third inning against the Rays’ Steve Geltz, Castillo knocked a three-run home run over the Green Monster at Fenway Park in Boston for his first MLB home run.
Castillo has been somewhat rusty since being called up to the big leagues, which is understandable considering that prior to August, he hadn’t played organized baseball in more than 18 months due to the defection. In 29 plate appearances over his seven games, Castillo has slashed .222/.276/.370, with four singles, a double and four RBI to go with his home run. He’s been solid in the outfield, but small-sample defensive metrics can be deceptive. Red Sox fans probably shouldn’t get too caught up in whatever statistics Castillo manages to produce the rest of the season; this call up is all about Boston seeing what they actually have in Castillo and shaking off some of the aforementioned rust. If Castillo can live up to his billing as a speedy, power-hitting corner outfielder, the Red Sox will likely be happy with their investment.
More from FanSided.com
Atlanta Braves (Re)Organization: Who should stay and who should go?
Derek Jeter delivers walk-off hit: Twitter reacts
Here is Derek Jeter’s bat from walk-off hit in final game at Yankee Stadium
MLB Awards Watch: Hello, Corey Kluber
MLB: 5 players who could steal the MVP from Mike Trout