Next week is a big one for Reds’ righthander Luis Castillo. On Monday, he’ll take the ball against the mighty Dodgers, with Clayton Kershaw making his season debut on the other side. On Saturday, he’ll face off with the Padres, a lineup suddenly packed with power bats up and down the order. The stakes for Castillo go beyond the two starts, though. Castillo could take another huge step toward his long-expected breakout if he handles these two potent lineups.
Castillo has been excellent through three starts, allowing two runs on five hits in 19 2/3 innings, striking out 25 and walking eight.