Red Sox: Castillo Waived, Flurry of Roster Moves

Over the past 24 hours, the Boston Red Sox have made a flurry of roster moves, including waiving outfielder Rusney Castillo.

In 2014, the Boston Red Sox signed Rusney Castillo for $72,500,000 from Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Castillo’s signing was highly publicized; aided partially by the fact that he was represented by Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports agency. Amongst an onslaught of hype, the Red Sox called Castillo up that same year. Despite the pressure, Castillo debuted brilliantly for the Red Sox; and, although he only played in 10 games, the Sox were convinced he was the team’s center fielder of the future.

Today, Rusney Castillo was waived by the Boston Red Sox. The 28-year-old Castillo was never able to reach the level of production he showcased during his ten-game sample size. Rusney Castillo’s Red Sox career likely ends with a .262/.301/.379 slash line, with 7 HR, 35 RBI and 7 SB over 317 AB.

For the next ten days, teams will have the ability to place a claim on Castillo’s contract; essentially, any team who files a claim can inherit Castillo onto their roster so long as they assume his contract and pay the Sox a waiver fee. Because of the cost of Castillo’s contract, however, it is unlikely he will be claimed by any team. If, at the end of the ten day waiver period, he has not been claimed, the Red Sox can either sign him to a minor league contract (whilest paying off the buyout on his old deal), or release him completely.

Aside from Rusney Castillo, the Red Sox made a flurry of moves to strengthen the team’s bench. Prior to today’s game against the Seattle Mariners, outfielder Ryan LaMarre and shortstop Deven Marrero were called up to the Red Sox from minor league affiliate Pawtucket (AAA).

Ryan LaMarre, a 27-year-old former Michigan Wolverine, made his debut with the Cincinnati Reds last summer. LaMarre, a left-handed centerfielder, has played well in Pawtucket thus far; he has hit .313 through 160 at-bats, with 6 HR and 11 SB.

Deven Marrero was a first round selection of the Boston Red Sox in the 2012 MLB Draft. Marrero is 25-years-old and initally from Miami, Florida. Marrero made his MLB debut with the Red Sox last season; he hit .226 over a 25 game stint, playing primarily shortstop and third base.

Although the addition of LaMarre and Marrero are not exactly the type to electrify a team, they could be a sign of things to come. The Red Sox are in danger of falling into third place in the AL East; general manager Dave Dombrowski might just be getting started. LaMarre is likely to have more of a permanent place on the team, while Marrero will probably return to Pawtucket once Brock Holt is activated from the disabled list. And, as many Red Sox fans know, Brock Holt is a catalyst capable of changing a game.

The Red Sox also announced that Clay Buchholz will be moved from the bullpen back into the rotation. Buchholz will start on Wednesday; the team credits his maturity during the demotion, as well as the development of his change-up, as the reasons for his return.

Next: How Many Red Sox Will Make the All-Star Game?

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