by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/17/2013) No matter how you look at it, Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro's two-hit game Friday was another impressive showing from the young star.
On the one hand, Castro, who went 2 for 4 with a run scored, has multiple hits in five out of the last 10 games, as it's becoming old hat for him. On the other, both hits came off Mets starter Matt Harvey, who had allowed just two players to get multiple hits off him so far this season. The Cubs went on to lose 3-2, as Castro was the only batter with more than one hit.
Castro has upped his batting average from .277 to .287 over the last 10 games, while batting .341 over that stretch, with seven RBI and eight runs scored.
Starlin Castro moved to leadoff spot
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro was moved into the leadoff spot Friday against the Nationals with left-hander Ross Detwiler on the mound. Castro has not hit from the top spot in the lineup this season, but is batting .319 with eight home runs and 31 RBI over 74 career games (320 at-bats) from the leadoff spot.
“It’s just kind of process of elimination, really,” manager Dale Sveum told MLB.com. “The two choices were him and [Cody] Ransom, and having Ransom in the lineup, hopefully, he’ll hit a home run and I’d like him to do it with somebody on base.”
Castro entered Friday's contest hitting .242/.286/.273 with one double and three RBI over his last eight games.
Three years in, Starlin Castro still improving
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/7/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro made his major-league debut on May 7, 2010 and celebrated his three-year anniversary Tuesday. He leads all National League players with 477 games played since his debut and is tied for sixth among shortstops with 200 RBI in that span.
Castro also ranks fifth in the majors with his 567 hits.
Manager Dale Sveum told MLB.com that the 23-year-old still has plenty of room to improve.
"There's progress since the day he got here," Sveum said, "but I think it's still a work in progress with some mental things at shortstop. If he wants to get to another level swinging the bat, there's still a lot of improvement that can happen there to get the OPS higher. It comes and goes with him as much as anything. There's still quite a bit of improvement that can happen on both ends."
Starlin Castro on scoring run
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/6/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro entered Monday's series opener against the Rangers having scored six runs in the previous six games. He scored three times in the 9-2 win, going 2 for 4 with two RBI and a walk.
The 23-year-old singled home two in the fourth inning and scored on Anthony Rizzo's base hit a batter later. He scored after walking in the sixth and again on Rizzo's two-run homer in the eighth.
Castro is batting .300 (9 for 30) in his last seven games with a homer and five RBI.
Starlin Castro will remain Cubs' two hitter
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has been moved down to the fifth spot in the batting order in recent days, but manager Dale Sveum still sees him as the club's two hitter.
Sveum explained, "when everything is set correctly, he’s really a two-hole hitter." Sveum has used Cody Ransom in the second spot in the order recently, but it seems like that could be a temporary move.
Starlin Castro has third homer
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro homered Tuesday night against the Padres. His two-run shot came off starter Edinson Volquez in the fifth was his third homer. Castro also singled in the ninth and scored on an Anthony Rizzo double.
The 23-year-old finished 2 for 5 in the 13-7 loss. Castro is batting .277 with 12 RBI and 11 runs scored.
Starlin Castro ends multi-hit skid
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro had a two-run double and finished 2 for 4 during Sunday's loss against the Marlins. It was Castro's fifth double and first multi-hit game since having a season-high three hits April 14.
Castro came into Sunday's game batting .200 (9 for 45) in his last 11 games, which dropped his season average from .300 to .263. His batting average climbed back to .272 following Sunday's outing.
Arm injury won't keep Starlin Castro sidelined
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro was in the starting lineup Tuesday at Cincinnati despite straining his arm on a long throw Monday, according to ESPN. Castro said his arm was a little tight Tuesday, but not enough to keep him out of the lineup.
Castro extended his hitting streak to 14 games Monday. He's batting .317 (20 for 63) with a triple, two home runs, four doubles and six RBI during the streak.
Cubs manager threatens demotion for Starlin Castro
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum suggested the club's defensive struggles could result in a demotion for multiple players, including shortstop Starlin Castro, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Castro made one of three errors for the Cubs Saturday against Milwaukee. Motivation has been a repeated issue for Castro throughout his Cubs career, and that combined with the club's current struggles have frustration brewing for his manager.
"I don’t think anything is invincible if you’re not performing," Sveum said. "That’s still the one main ingredient that has to happen to win baseball games. It’s not about what we think can happen three or four years from now."
Would the Cubs actually do it? It's doubtful, as the Cubs don't have an obvious replacement at shortstop on the roster. Plus, Castro is hitting a robust .304/.324/.478 and is probably the Cubs' most talented player. Still, it would be in his best interest to shore up the defense sooner rather than later.
Is Cubs' manager trying to motivate Starlin Castro?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Asked about Starlin Castro's play thus far prior to Sunday's game against the Brewers, Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "It's been very average," per the Chicago Daily Herald. Castro's numbers might not be outstanding, but he's still the ninth-highest Fantasy scoring shortstop in Head-to-Head leagues entering play Sunday.
I'm extremely excited about Sveum's comment, especially since I own Castro in a few Fantasy leagues. It definitely sounds like one of those motivation tactics when a manager holds one of his best players accountable, so it wouldn't be surprising if his comment gets back to Castro and sends the 23-year-old shortstop on a hot streak. At least that's what I'm hoping is the end result because we all know Castro has the potential to be a top 5 Fantasy shortstop.
Hitting streaks nothing new to Starlin Castro
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) With his single during the first inning Friday at Milwaukee, Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro extended his hitting streak to 11 games, which represents the longest active run in the National League this season. The solid stretch has also marked another achievement for the 23-year-old.
According to MLB.com, Castro has now registered eight hitting streaks of 10 or more games since the start of the 2011 campaign, his second full season in the majors. The mark ties Yankees slugger Robinson Cano for the most in the majors.
Starlin Castro goes deep vs. Giants
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro launched his second home run of the season during Sunday's contest against the Giants.
Castro took starter Tim Lincecum deep for a two-run shot in the first inning. He finished 3 for 5 with a run scored and two RBI in a 10-7 loss. He is hitting .315 with two home runs and six RBI in 12 games.
Starlin Castro provides winning punch
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro went 2 for 5 with his first home run of the season during Chicago's 4-3 win over San Francisco on Friday. Castro extended his hitting streak to six games -- he has multiple hits in four of those outings -- with a solo shot off Giants starter Matt Cain in the fifth inning.
He also blasted a double off the center-field wall in the ninth inning to score the winning run and seal the Cubs' come-from-behind victory -- his second straight game with a two-base hit.
Cubs want Starlin Castro on the defensive
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro continues to be a solid contributor at the plate this season and slugged his first home run during Friday's game against San Francisco. The solo blast extended his hitting streak to six games and marked his fourth extra-base hit in the past four outings.
But now the team is hoping his defense can match his offense after he committed his third error during the series opener Thursday that led to a Giants run.
"These errors aren't because of physical ability," Chicago manager Dale Sveum told MLB.com about his club's overall shakiness. "It's awareness and understanding the situation and who's running. I think we've made half our errors on pure non-awareness of how much time we had to make a play or a throw."
Starlin Castro could be 'most dangerous hitter in the league'
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has been working on driving the ball to right field since spring training in order to become a .300 hitter once again, ESPN.com reports.
In 2011, Castro batted .307 and led the National League with 207 hits before posting a .283 average last season.
"I would love to see this young man have a little bit more plate discipline," a long-time National League scout said. "If he learns to lay off the slider outside of the hitting zone, he could become the most dangerous hitter in the league."
Castro has gone 9 for 35 (.257) with two RBI and a stolen base through eight games this season.
Starlin Castro notches a pair of hits
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013)Starlin Castro went 2 for 4 in Sunday's 5-1 loss to Atlanta.
The Cubs' shortstop was 4 for 21 entering the game. Castro's hits were singles, and he remains without an extra-base hit or walk. He's hitting .240.
Starlin Castro swipes bag in opener
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro had a productive opening day on Monday against the Pirates. He went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base in the 3-1 win.
Castro singled in his first at-bat and came around to score on Anthony Rizzo's two-run homer. He collected another base hit in the third inning before stealing second base.
Castro back in action for Cubs
(3/13/2013) After missing the last two weeks due to a strained left hamstring, Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro was back in action for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rockies. He went 1 for 1 with a walk while playing the field in the 2-0 loss. Castro has gone 4 for 8 (.500) through four spring games. "I felt pretty good," Castro told MLB.com. "I'm ready to play. I'll still play every day, but I want to get going easy, I don't want to be hurt again."
Castro nearing a return
(3/11/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum said on Monday that shortstop Starlin Castro is expected to return for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rockies. Castro has missed the last two weeks due to a strained left hamstring.
Castro could return next week
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/7/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum told ESPN.com Thursday that shortstop Starlin Castro may be ready to play at some point next week. "Everything is great," Sveum said. "He'll do a normal day today. He'll probably play Monday or Wednesday depending on what we decide with the day off on Tuesday." Castro has not been in the lineup since Feb. 27 while pulling up lame to first base.
No pain for Castro
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/6/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro told MLB.com Wednesday that he is being held out of spring training games strictly as a precaution, at this point. “There’s no pain anymore,” he said. “When I’m hitting on the field, it’s 100 percent, I don’t feel anything.” Castro has been out since last week due to tightness in his left hamstring, and is growing anxious about being held out until at least next Monday. “I want to be playing,” he said. “I don’t want to see the other people play. It’s not for me. I like to play every time I can get in the game.”
Castro kept out as precaution
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/4/2013) Citing "plenty of time" during the spring, Cubs manager Dale Sveum said shortstop Starlin Castro (hamstring) will have his return delayed again. Castro, who has been sidelined since last Wednesday with a hamstring issue, was scheduled to return to Cactus League play on Monday. "Probably maybe the weekend, or [next Monday]," Sveum told the Chicago Tribune. "He’s fine. He did everything (Sunday) and there’s nothing going on. He took full BP ... and ground balls right at him. You can’t really simulate any kind of discomfort or feeling for the hamstring at all."
Castro's return date pushed back
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/2/2013) An MRI taken on Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro's ailing left hamstring revealed some lingering inflammation and will prevent him from returning to the lineup Monday, the Chicago Tribune reports. Castro, who has not appeared in a Cactus League outing since leaving last Wednesday's game with hamstring tightness, is now expected to return to action in three to four days, manager Dale Sveum said Saturday.
Cubs not rushing Castro
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/1/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum (hamstring) said Friday that shortstop Starlin Castro is aiming to return to Cactus League play Monday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Castro was shut down for the weekend after leaving last Wednesday's game with a hamstring injury while running to first base. "Lots of games left," Sveum said.
Castro to miss 2-3 days
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) Cubs manager Dale Sveum said shortstop Starlin Castro will miss 2-3 days after pulling up lame running to first base Wednesday. Castro was diagnosed with left hamstring tightness. “He’s fine,” Sveum said, per MLB.com. “It’ll be two or three days, but basically it’s minimal -- there’s more tightness. I don’t think there’s any pull. It just tightened up on him.”
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/27/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro left the game in the bottom of the fourth inning Tuesday against the Dodgers after pulling up lame running to first base. MLB.com reports Castro has been diagnosed with left hamstring tightness. He is day to day. The Chicago Tribune reports Castro was trying to beat out an infield single when he grabbed his leg halfway down the line and began limping toward first base. Castro was removed from the game after being evaluated by the trainer. Castro was 1 for 3 with one run as the team's DH. He is 3 for 7 (.429) with one double through three spring games. "It was a little bit tight but not too bad," Castro said. "I felt it when I touched the base. It scared me. I don't want to be hurt. I feel too good this year."
Castro taking second place
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/24/2013) After a season filled with distraction, Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro will be sporting a new spot in the batting order, in addition to a revamped outlook this year. Manager Dale Sveum said Sunday the two-time All-Star will bat second this season after spending most of the 2012 campaign in the three-hole. He also received a large chunk of time at the No. 2 spot but hit nearly 20 points less than from the third slot (.267 to .282). "I really don’t look too far down the line, but the way things stack up he will probably be my two-hitter this year," Sveum told ESPN.com.
Castro aims for big season
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/19/2013) ESPN reports Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has lofty goals heading into 2013. "I want to be everything," Castro said on Tuesday. "Power, steal more bases, hit for average." Cubs president Theo Epstein has already said he expects a breakout offensive season from Castro. His manager, Dale Sveum, is looking at Castro's development in a different way. "The next step for him is to become more of a winning type hitter," Sveum said. "Just understanding any situation, about driving in runs and having good at-bats in key situations and not trying to do too much when the game is on the line."
Castro focused on spring camp
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/3/2013) Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro turned down an opportunity to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in order to prepare for the 2013 season. "I told (Moises Alou) I’d think about it. But I don’t want to be on the bench. Jose Reyes is there. I have respect for him. I’d be on the bench. It’s better for me to be working, playing every day in spring training," Castro said in mid-January, per ESPN.
