Will Rusney Castillo be the Spark for the Red Sox Offense?

After last night’s 3-1 loss to the Texas Rangers, the Boston Red Sox were distraught. The Red Sox’ only run came on a David Ortiz ground ball and the offense was at a loss. The struggles against lefties continued for them as they headed into last night’s game with a batting average of .198 against southpaws. The worst part: the Sox lineup consists of mostly right-handed hitters.

More from Boston Red Sox

• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
• Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
• Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander

It seemed as though everybody was fed up with the Red Sox’ inability to gain consistency. From the beginning of the season to the recent road series against the Oakland Athletics, the offense seemed fine. But ever since, it’s been a horrible sight to see. It seems as though plate-approaches have been thrown out the window: everybody seems to be much too eager at the dish.

Many questions popped into fan’s heads after last night’s disappointing game. The biggest of which was what will the Red Sox do to address the issue?

May 20, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) reacts to striking out in front of Texas Rangers catcher

(61) during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Last time the Red Sox addressed an issue, it was with the starting pitching. From the beginning of April to the recent A’s series, they had the worst ERA in baseball. To come face-to-face with the problem, the Sox fired now ex-pitching coach Juan Nieves and hired Carl Willis.

Since the Willis hire, they now obtain the fourth worst ERA in the league, but are showing amazing improvement. Pitchers such as Clay Buchholz and Wade Miley seemed to have found their groove.

After last night’s depressing tilt against the Rangers, many fingers seemed to point in a single direction in which the Red Sox should go to help the offense.

Rusney Castillo.

It seems as though the Red Sox looked to where those fingers were pointing to and as of an hour ago, they have officially called up Castillo and optioned Jackie Bradley Jr.

In Triple-A this season, Castillo has 2 home runs with 10 RBIs to go along with a batting average of .293. But it’s not these stats that lead many to believe that he could be the spark.

It’s his stats from last year.

Though only playing in 10 games with the Red Sox, Rusney hit 2 home runs with 6 RBIs to go along with a batting average of .333: not bad for having never faced Major League pitching.

Sep 27, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman

(50) high fives center fielder Rusney Castillo (38) after scoring a run during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Castillo seemed to crush the ball when at the plate and makes his .528 slugging percentage seem that much more realistic.

So the real question here is this: what can Castillo do for this offense?

Well, he’s already been penciled in to play right field tonight for the first game of a 3 game set against the Los Angeles Angels. If he prospers in this position, he will more then likely keep it for the rest of the year.

But, his power will be what get’s this team going.

The Red Sox are batting .199 with RISP. Not only can they not seem to physically hit the ball, but also failing to score runners when they do get on base.

Castillo will probably bat in the 6 or 7 slot which means that if the top of the lineup can get on base, he should be able to hit them in and spark the offense through runs.

He could also spark the offense through competition. Castillo will play right field, which will probably get Shane Victorino angry and hopefully make him want to compete more instead of less. This will also effect the other corner outfielder, Hanley Ramirez, due to his lack of production as of late.

In the past week, Ramirez has batted an atrocious .148. If Castillo produces, they may choose to put him in left field and sit Ramirez while he gets himself together, despite Hanley having the most homers and RBIs on the team.

May 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) is looked at by medical staff and manager

(53) after sliding into second base during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, I think bringing Castillo up now is the appropriate action for the situation. He will play everyday and be expected to put up some big numbers, despite his inexperience, which is unfortunate.

If he doesn’t produce, the Red Sox may have to go to extremes to try and re-rout the offense. Chili Davis‘ firing could be an extremely real option for the Red Sox even if Castillo’s production is acceptable.

Either way, the Sox must find a way to maintain consistency throughout this team. If they don’t, we’ll be watching some pretty excruciating baseball come July.