Diego Castillo had a pretty solid debut once he got here. The bad news was, it took a little longer than Rays fans wanted. The good news was, it eventually got better than just “pretty solid.”
Signed as an International Free Agent in March 2014, Castillo rose steadily through the Rays system before breaking out in 2017. Splitting that season between Montgomery and Durham, the big Dominican righty paired his 3.27 ERA with 90 strikeouts against just 20 walks in 71+ innings. However, despite a strong spring, Castillo — like much of the Tampa Bay youth movement — would have to wait a little longer before he could show fans at the Trop what was rumored to be a 100 mph heater and a plus-plus slider.