Rodolfo Castro is one of the more intriguing names still on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ roster. His boom-or-bust style plays out exactly how it sounds, there are times when he wows us, and other times he leaves you pulling out your hair.
That’s been the case for him for the majority of spring this year. He’s played in 16 games this spring, and has bookended a pair of home runs in the first game and the most recent contest. In between he’s struck out a total of 17 times (first/worst on the team) in his 47 plate appearances.
In a situation that likely doesn’t mean anything, but in the heat of a position battle that has several players competing for the same spot, Castro has been used as a late-game replacement in each of his last two games.
Again, that probably doesn’t mean anything, unless you’ve really had a rough stretch – both offensively and defensively.
Breathing down his neck is Ji-Hwan Bae, who is making a late camp push to at the very least, make the Opening Day roster. After reaching safely twice on Thursday, Bae has picked up six hits in his last five games, including his lone double and both RBIs.
Ji-Hwan Bae drives in Canaan Smith-Njigba with a RBI single to tie the game at two. #Pirates pic.twitter.com/7fIq97KIlq
— Anthony Murphy (@__Murphy88) March 24, 2023
Both seem to offer an intriguing skill set that really are polar opposites of each other. Bae relies on speed and contact, while Castro offers far more power.
Mark Mathias provides some versatility, and potentially sneaky power, but may have jumped into the competition a bit late. Tucupia Marcano graded out as the best defensive second basemen last year, but is still struggling with the bat.
Most positions have been locked up with just under a week left to go before the regular season starts. Second base being the one that is seemingly the most wide open right now.
While how a player is utilized during a game in spring usually isn’t a clear indication of how he might be used, the fact that Castro has come in as a late game sub is interesting, especially after being used as a starter up to this point.
This last week will be big for each of the players fighting for a spot. After getting an at-bat here and there, the starters will be playing more to really try to find their rhythm.
It may not have been an indication up to this point, but when and where Bae, Castro and others are used, could give a clue on what their plans are during the regular season.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By John Dreker
The Pirates lost 7-4 to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. Bryan Reynolds had three hits. Rodolfo Castro homered. Johan Oviedo allowed two runs over four innings. Here’s the boxscore. The Pirates are on the road against the Detroit Tigers tonight, with a 6:05 PM start time. Lineup will be posted below once it becomes available.
**The Backup Catching Battle Becomes a Two-Man Competition
**MLB Pipeline Ranks the Pirates as Having the Eighth Best Farm System
**Pirates Prospects Daily: Outfield Puzzle Remains To Be Solved With Week Left In Spring
**Pirates DVR: Anthony Solometo Strikeout, Draft Prospects Highlights
Song of the Day
Today’s Lineup
Roansy Contreras on the mound, road game tonight in Detroit (Lakeland). Radio only
