3 reasons the Seattle Mariners pose a real threat to the Houston Astros
By Kevin Henry
2. Luis Castillo as an unknown
In his six-year MLB career, the Astros have faced new Seattle ace Luis Castillo just once … and that was on June 17, 2019, when he was a member of the Cincinnati Reds. In that game, Castillo allowed two runs on two hits in six innings, but also walked six and struck out seven in what was an eventful outing.
That, however, is all ancient history as Castillo is certainly looking like a different pitcher in the Pacific Northwest than the hurler who posted those numbers. With a 3.17 ERA/2.91 FIP/1.102 WHIP in 14 starts covering 65.1 innings in a Mariners uniform, Castillo is proving the trade to acquire him was one of the best moves of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
Castillo will be a bit of an unknown quantity for the Astros going into what is expected to be a Game 2 start in Houston, also setting up the potential for him to be the starter in a deciding Game 5 should the series go that long. Will his skills on the mound and unfamiliarity to Houston hitters make a difference? It’s absolutely a possibility and something to keep an eye on in Thursday’s matchup.