Miguel Castro off to a good start in Cactus League play

It was an ugly, sloppy game on the diamond for the Colorado Rockies Tuesday afternoon at Salt Rivers Field at Talking Stick. The Los Angeles Dodgers redeemed themselves from Monday’s loss while the Rockies kicked the ball around committing four errors.

The pitching wasn’t quite up to par. Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland, a potential sleeper pick for the fifth and final rotation spot, had a rough go of it. The southpaw gave up four runs (three of which were earned) on two hits. One of those two hits was a two-run home run off the bat of Henry Ramos.

As for the rest of the Rockies rotation, every pitcher — but one — gave up a run. (Although Adam Ottavino‘s run was unearned.)

The pitcher who didn’t give up a run, you ask?

Miguel Castro.

Castro pitched a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday’s loss, giving up one hit. Castro has made two appearances in Spring Training thus far, allowing one hit, walking one and striking out one.

Castro, 22, was one of the pieces the Rockies acquired in the blockbuster trade for Troy Tulowitzki back in July of 2015. The hard-throwing right-hander cracked the clubs Opening Day roster, yet was placed on the 15-day disabled list weeks later due to shoulder inflammation.

He was a force to be reckoned with in his limited time. In six appearances out of the bullpen, Castro gave up just one run on two hits in six innings pitched, walking two and striking out eight.

Castro returned to the Rockies on May 20 and unfortunately for him, he was sent down on June 6 to make room for the return of lefty specialist Boone Logan.

Over his next seven appearances, prior to the demotion, Castro logged seven innings, yielding four runs on eight hits. Castro saw his ERA go from 1.29 to 3.75 in a matter of a week. However, a 1.08 WHIP for a 21-year-old in the majors is pretty remarkable.

Castro wouldn’t stay down for long as he was called back up on June 14 after the team sent left-hander Chris Rusin on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain.

His season continued to spiral downward.

In his ensuing five games, Castro gave up four runs on seven hits in just 2 1/3 innings. The most concerning thing of all is the fact that Castro struck out just two batters in that span. His inconsistency with mechanics and fastball location led to yet another demotion on June 25 and this time for the remainder of the season.

The youngster didn’t exactly excel during his time in Triple-A Albuquerque. Castro sported a 2-3 record, giving up 18 runs on 21 hits in 15 2/3 innings. Castro was giving up a whopping 12.1 H/9 while posting a WHIP of 1.78.

Then again, it all comes down to mechanics and fastball location for Castro.

So far in the early goings, he looks to have put last season in the rear-view mirror. The Rockies hope the 22-year-old can be a staple in the bullpen for years to come and contribute to a team that is eager to make the playoffs for the first time since 2009.