Colorado Rockies Down On The Farm: The Three New Guys

Mar 22, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher M. Castro (71) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Miguel Castro

The Rockies took a chance on a very young guy — just 20 years old — who made his Major League debut at the start of 2015, before being sent back down to AAA Buffalo while still in the Jays’ organization. Castro, who threw in just 39 minor league games (30 starts) before making the big leagues, moved really fast through an organization with good minor league depth to Toronto.

He struggles with command at times (6 walks in his 12.1 big league innings, 71 walks in 198.2 minor league innings), but he can reach nearly triple digits on his fastball (he averaged 95.8 mph on the pitch in the big leagues with Toronto this summer), it’d make sense for the Rockies to develop him as a reliever.

In AAA Albuquerque, Castro has appeared in three games, throwing three innings and giving up two hits, two runs (one earned) and three walks (two intentional) while striking out two hitters.

Here’s video of Castro just last year in rookie ball (like I said, he’s moved very far, very fast):

And here’s a great story about Castro’s family and his very humble beginnings.

Next: Jesus Tinoco