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Who is Diego Castillo, the newest member of the Orioles?

The Orioles added another player to the spring training roster battle

ByMichael Najarian|
Jul 11, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Diego Castillo (64) makes a catch during a game against the Miami Marlins
Jul 11, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Diego Castillo (64) makes a catch during a game against the Miami Marlins | Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Orioles continued their 40-man roster shuffle as they begin spring training in Sarasota. The team announced they claimed versatile infielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. To make room on the 40-man roster, another recent addition, Livan Soto, was DFA'd a week after being claimed.

With another new name joining the fray for the Orioles, let's learn about Diego Castillo

Castillo has had quite the offseason after spending last year in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. He was DFA'd by Arizona in December and claimed by the New York Mets in January. The Mets DFA'd him not long after claiming him, with the New York Yankees then scooping him up on waivers.

He didn't last long with the Yankees either, as the Phillies claimed him on the waiver wire nearly two weeks ago. After eight days with the Phillies, he was DFA'd and placed on waivers again, leading to the Orioles claiming him.

Aside from one game in the majors last year, Castillo was in Triple A full-time. Through 124 games with the D-Backs Triple A team in Reno, Castillo slashed .313/.431/.410 with 33 doubles, three home runs and 13 stolen bases.

In 2022, Castillo played 96 games in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his first taste of big-league experience. He had a .206/.251/.382 slash line while slugging 13 doubles and 11 home runs across 283 plate appearances. Castillo was one of the players the Pirates acquired from the Yankees for Clay Holmes at the 2021 trade deadline.

Castillo brings plenty of positional versatility on defense. He's played every infield position plus right field in the majors and even appeared as a pitcher twice for mop-up duty. While he's not exceptional defensively at any particular position, he's a serviceable option who makes the routine plays.

Entering this season, Castillo has one year of minor league options left, which the Orioles will likely use to send him to Norfolk if he remains on the 40-man roster through the spring. Welcome to the organization Diego.

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