Pittsburgh Pirates: Roster Moves That Must Be Made to Finish the Season

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: Ji-Hwan Bae #81 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a picture during the 2022 Photo Day at LECOM Park on March 16, 2022 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: Ji-Hwan Bae #81 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a picture during the 2022 Photo Day at LECOM Park on March 16, 2022 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Jul 17, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Diego Castillo (64) hits a double in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Diego Castillo (64) hits a double in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Designated Kevin Padlo for assignment, re-call utility man Diego Castillo

In late July the Pittsburgh Pirates optioned utility man Diego Castillo to Triple-A. When the move was made it was one that did make sense. However, it is now time for Castillo to return to the major leagues.

Castillo was optioned to the minors due to the need to get more regular at-bats against right-handed pitching. The 24-year-old Castillo was playing regularly against left-handed pitching in the majors, but had struggled mightily against right-handed pitching. The only way to improve against right-handed pitching is to get more at-bats against righties, and the best way for Castillo to do this was in the minors.

Since being optioned to the minors Castillo has hit well. In 77 plate appearances at Triple-A he has hit for a .278/.325/.389 slash line. Factor in his ability to play both middle infield positions at an above average ability, and it’s time for Castillo to return to the majors.

Making room for Castillo on the roster would be easy. To do this the Pirates need to designate Kevin Padlo for assignment. Padlo is 0-for-11 with the Pirates and a lifetime .119/.178/.167 hitter with a wRC+ of 3 in his MLB career. Padlo has no business being on a MLB roster and should be replace by another right-handed hitting utility man in the form of Castillo.