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Boston Red Sox: Rusney Castillo Sent to Minors Despite Hot Spring

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Mar 22, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Rusney Castillo (38) at bat against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Rusney Castillo (38) at bat against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox outfielder Rusney Castillo was one of seven players re-assigned to minor league camp on Sunday.

To say Rusney Castillo has been a $72.5 million disappointment for the Boston Red Sox would be an understatement.

On Sunday, the team announced that Castillo, along with six other players have been re-assigned to minor league camp.  While none of the players named were a surprise, Castillo was actually having a pretty good spring with the bat.

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The outfield prospect was batting .368 in 21 games, but his game awareness continued to be a concern for the team.  With an outfield that consists of Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr, and Andrew Benintendi, there isn’t much room on the 40-man roster for Castillo.

If (and this is a big if) he continues to show offensive consistency in the minors and can somehow get that game awareness under control, he may help the team later in the season if there is an injury.  Red Sox manager John Farrell said he saw signs this spring, but not enough to find a spot for him heading into the regular season.

"“At times,” Farrell said in regards to Castillo showing increasing game awareness, via the Boston Herald.  “Again, without being in the lineup every day, spring training can be kind of a tough read on that because you’re three innings one day, you’re getting six or seven on another.  There’s been instances where that’s been there and there’s been instances where it has not been there.”"

He could also become trade bait if another team is willing to take on some of the $48 million plus the team still owes him over the next three seasons.

Allen Craig also sent to minors

Among the other players re-assigned to minor league camp was Allen Craig, right-handed reliever Noe Ramirez, outfielder Brian Bogusevic, infielder Matt Dominguez, catcher Jake DePew and right-handed pitcher Hector Velazquez.

Mar 3, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Steve Selsky (62) heads for third on a double by Boston Red Sox left fielder Allen Craig (not pictured) during the fourth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Steve Selsky (62) heads for third on a double by Boston Red Sox left fielder Allen Craig (not pictured) during the fourth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Again, no big surprises, but Craig continues to be a disappointment for the Red Sox.  Like Castillo, the Red Sox will still owe the former St. Louis Cardinals slugger $11 million this season.

Once considered a feared hitter, Craig has never panned out after being acquired from the Cardinals in a deal for John Lackey.

There is still hope he can find his groove at the plate.  If he does, it will be a welcomed bonus for the Boston Red Sox.  The team doesn’t have many holes, but if there is injury, a player like Allen Craig could be valuable to step in from within the organization.

Next: The Continued Importance of Utility Man Brock Holt

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