"The Diamondbacks are expected to begin the year without catcher/first baseman Adrian Del Castillo. Manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that the 26-year-old is dealing with a left calf injury that'll keep him out of game action for the bulk of Spring Training (link via Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports). He'll be reassessed closer to Opening Day but it seems unlikely he'll get enough exhibition reps to avoid a season-opening injured list stay. Del Castillo is third on the catching depth chart after Gabriel Moreno and James McCann. He nevertheless had a strong chance to win a bench job if healthy."
"After an encouraging 25-game debut two years ago, Del Castillo struggled last season. He struck out 47 times in 131 plate appearances (a near-36% rate) while hitting .242/.290/.392 over 44 games. The Miami product has posted strong numbers throughout his minor league career, but they've always come with a concerning level of swing-and-miss. He's a below-average defensive catcher, putting more pressure on the bat if most of his work comes in the first base/DH mix."
Adrian Del Castillo is expected to miss most of Spring Training with a left calf injury and will be reassessed closer to Opening Day, making a season-opening injured list stay likely. Del Castillo ranks third on the catching depth chart behind Gabriel Moreno and James McCann but offered a strong chance to earn a bench role when healthy. The left-handed hitter has first base and DH experience, and Arizona's position-player depth on the 40-man roster is limited. Del Castillo produced high strikeout rates and a .242/.290/.392 line last season, and his below-average defense increases reliance on his offense.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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