Former SF Giants prospect Kervin Castro designated for assignment by Cubs
Oh, what woes a year can bring in baseball. At this time last year, right-handed pitcher Kervin Castro was in the middle of a fantastic season in the SF Giants organization. Today, Castro was designated for assignment for the second time this year, this time by the Chicago Cubs. He will now be available for other teams to claim off waivers. If he goes unclaimed, the Cubs could outright him to the minor leagues.
The Cubs claimed Castro off waivers from the Giants at the beginning of August. He struggled mightily this year with San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, posting a 5.57 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched with 24 walks. Castro had never before struggled that much to limit free passes.
After two shutout innings with Chicago's Triple-A affiliate, Castro was promoted to their big-league bullpen. Over the past month, Castro has made eight appearances for the Cubs and struck out just seven batters in 10.2 innings pitched with five walks and a 7.59 ERA. Just as concerningly, his fastball went from averaging 94.5 mph last season to just 92.7 mph this year.
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After standing out at the alternate site in 2020, Castro was a standout at big-league spring training last year. Only 22 at the time, Castro had never pitched in full-season ball prior to last year, but after moving to the bullpen, he was showing a fastball that could reach the upper-90s alongside a plus breaking ball.
Despite starting the season at Triple-A in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, Castro was immediately one of the best relievers in the upper minors. Castro completed 44 innings across 30 appearances in Sacramento last season, recording a 2.86 ERA and 60 strikeouts against just 22 walks. By the end of the season, Castro was pitching in high-stress situations out of the Giants bullpen. He made 10 MLB appearances without allowing an earned run. He had a 0.00 ERA in 13.1 innings pitched with 13 strikeouts and four walks.
Still just 23, Kervin Castro remains an intriguing young pitcher. However, he has undeniably taken several steps back since his breakout with the SF Giants last year. The Cubs are probably hoping he goes unclaimed on waivers, allowing them to keep him in their organization. However, it would not be a surprise to see another team bet on Castro returning to form in 2023 with an offseason to rest up and try to correct whatever has caused him problems this season.
