(3/28/2009) The Nationals reassigned infielder Jose Castillo and outfielder Corey Patterson to minor league camp on Saturday.
Nats add Castillo for infield depth
(12/24/2008) On the day they lost out on top target Mark Teixeira, the Nationals announced they signed five players to minor league contracts. Veteran outfielder Corey Patterson, right-hander Jorge Sosa, left-hander Gustavo Chacin, infielder Jose Castillo and catcher Gustavo Molina signed with Washington on Tuesday. If Patterson is added to the 40-man roster, he will get an $800,000, one-year deal, with $25,000 each for 400 and 450 plate appearances. If Sosa makes the 40-man roster, he gets a split deal, with salaries of $850,000 in the majors and $90,000 in the minors. If Chacin is added to the 40-man, he would get a $600,000, one-year contract.
Astros clear some from roster
(10/15/2008) The Astros sent RHPs Dave Borkowski, Jack Cassel and Ryan Houston and infielder Jose Castillo outright to Triple-A Round Rock. Borkowski and Castillo refused the assignment and are now free agents.
A Castillo sighting with Houston
(9/8/2008)Jose Castillo had a run-scoring single in the ninth Sunday and went 3-for-3 with two RBI.
Castillo activated by Astros
(8/22/2008) The Houston Astros activated infielder Jose Castillo for Friday night's game against the New York Mets after picking him up off waivers from the Giants. Castillo was placed on outright waivers by San Francisco on July 13 and the Astros claimed him a week later. To make room for Castillo on the roster, Houston sent infielder J.R. House to Triple-A Round Rock.
Astros add Castillo via waivers
(8/20/2008) The Astros claimed infielder Jose Castillo on outright waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. Castillo, designated for assignment by the Giants last Wednesday, is expected to report on Friday when the Astros start a four-game series at the New York Mets. The Astros said they would make a corresponding roster move before he joins the team. Castillo hit .244 with six home runs, 35 RBI and a career-high 28 doubles for the Giants this season. The 27-year-old has played in 577 career games in five seasons with Pittsburgh (2004-07) and San Francisco.
Giants play musical chairs with roster
(8/13/2008) The San Francisco Giants designated infielder Jose Castillo for assignment Wednesday and called up three players from the minors. The team recalled first baseman Travis Ishikawa from Triple-A Fresno and purchased the contracts of catcher-first baseman Pablo Sandoval and infielder Ryan Rohlinger from Double-A Connecticut. Rohlinger was put into the starting lineup Wednesday night against Houston. Giants manager Bruce Bochy said the other two probably would start Thursday. To make room for them, the Giants cut Castillo and optioned first baseman-outfielder John Bowker and catcher Steve Holm to Triple-A Fresno.
Castillo rests during poor August
(8/12/2008) Giants 2B Jose Castillo didn't start Monday at Houston. He entered the game batting only .103 (3-for-29) in August.
Castillo drives in a pair Monday
(7/29/2008)Jose Castillo hit a pair of RBI singles and Fred Lewis also drove in two runs for the Giants on Monday.
Castillo starting at second base
(7/26/2008)The Sports Xchange notes that Jose Castillo got another start at second base as manager Bruce Bochy continued to juggle his options at the position in the wake of 2B Ray Durham's trade to the Brewers.
Castillo gets two RBI on double
(7/20/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo hit a two-run double off Brewers RP Brian Shouse in the ninth inning during Sunday's 7-4 loss. Castillo, who has 25 doubles, finished 2-for-5 with one run. He finished the three-game series 4-for-12 (.333) with three RBI.
Castillo has one hit in 12 ABs
(7/9/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo was hitless in two at-bats Wednesday against the Mets. He did walk once and now has just one hit in his last 12 at-bats.
Castillo goes 2-for-3 Thursday
(7/3/2008) San Francisco Giants 3B Jose Castillo had a nice night against the Cubs in a winning effort Thursday. Castillo finished 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored for the G-men, adding an RBI as well. He's batting .266 on the year.
Sizzling Castillo has three hits, homer
(6/25/2008) The Giants 3B Jose Castillo had three hits, including a homer, for San Francisco Wednesday in a victory over the Cleveland Indians. Castillo went 3-for-5 in the game and added a double and two runs scored.
Castillo parks 21st double Sunday
(6/22/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo had two hits, including his 21st double, and one run in five at-bats Sunday against the Royals. Castillo is just 5-for-24 (.209) in his last seven games.
Aurilia gives Castillo some 3B rest
(12:18 pm ET)Rich Aurilia stayed at third base for a second consecutive game Tuesday. Aurilia had been hot -- six hits in three games coming in -- and had a .353 career average against LHP Kenny Rogers. 3B Jose Castillo played nearly every game the first 2 1/2 months. Aurilia got two more hits and is hitting .287. Castillo made an out as a pinch hitter and is hitting .260.
J. Castillo crosses plate twice
(6/11/2008)Jose Castillo had three hits for the Giants and scored twice at Colorado Tuesday.
Castillo nets two singles, RBI
(6/4/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo had two singles and one RBI in four at-bats Wednesday against the Mets. Castillo got the only run off Mets SP John Maine when he singled home a RBI in the third inning. Castillo has two straight multi-hit games and is 6-for-18 (.333) in his last four games.
Castillo homers again for Giants
(5/28/2008) San Francisco made it 4-0 in the fourth Tuesday when Jose Castillo hit Dan Haren's first pitch high above the home-run line in straightaway center. It was Castillo's fourth homer this season.
Jose Castillo cranks one out
(5/24/2008)Jose Castillo homered to help the Giants win their third consecutive game at Florida Friday.
Castillo offers two runs, two RBI
(5/18/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo contributed two hits for the second straight game Sunday against the White Sox. He went 2-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI.
Jose Castillo matches career high
(5/10/2008)Jose Castillo doubled and matched his career high with four hits Saturday against the Phillies, scoring twice for San Francisco. He had been 0-for-7 in his last two games coming in.
Castillo hits second in five games
(5/6/2008) For the second time in five games, Giants 3B Jose Castillo hit a home run Tuesday at Pittsburgh -- a three-run shot in the eighth inning. He finished 1-for-3 with a walk. He has batted .389 (7-for-18) over his last six games.
Castillo has two run-scoring hits
(5/4/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo tied Sunday's game against the Phillies with a RBI single in the fourth inning and then put his team ahead 5-4 with a RBI triple in the eighth. Unfortunately, San Francisco lost 6-5. Castillo scored a run while hitting safely in four of his last five games (6-for-15). He has one homer and four RBI in that span.
Castillo ends 450 AB homerless streak
(4/30/2008)Jose Castillo ended a 450 at-bat homerless drought with a tiebreaking shot to lead off the seventh inning and Fred Lewis preserved the lead with a diving catch in the eighth that sent the San Francisco Giants to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Castillo's homer to left field off Ryan Speier (0-1) was his first since Aug. 14, 2006, for Pittsburgh against Milwaukee.
(4/29/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo went 0-for-4 Monday against the Rockies, lowering his season average to .213. He has only one hit in his last 21 at-bats -- a span of seven games.
Castillo has four hits in 18 ABs
(4/20/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo had one single, one run and one walk in four at-bats Sunday against the Cardinals. He also struck out once and left two runners on base. Castillo has just three hits in his last 18 plate appearances.
Jose Castillo gets job done
(4/14/2008)Jose Castillo has hit safely in six of his past seven games playing third base for the Giants. He's batting .271 with two RBI and five runs scored.
Castillo pounds out fourth double
(4/6/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo had a double in three at-bats during Sunday's game against the Brewers. It was his fourth double in six games to open the season. He has hit safely in four of those contests for a .273 average.
Castillo doesn't show much with bat
(3/31/2008) Giants 3B Jose Castillo, who won the starting job after being claimed from the Marlins late in spring training, went 0-for-3 in the season opener Monday at the Dodgers.
Giants' Castillo will start at 3B
(3/29/2008)Jose Castillo, who lost the starting third base job to Jorge Cantu in Florida, has claimed it in San Francisco to open the season, according to MLB.com. "It feels good because this team gave me an opportunity to play. I'm happy for the team and I'm for myself," Castillo said. "When I got here, I was told that I was going to get a chance to play and that's all I wanted. To be the starter, that's great."
Castillo doubles in Giants debut
(3/24/2008) INF Jose Castillo, claimed off waivers from the Marlins on Saturday, made his Giants debut Sunday at the Rangers and was 1-for-2 with a double. He's batting .273.
Marlins cut, Giants claim Castillo
(3/22/2008) The Giants claimed INF Jose Castillo off waivers from the Marlins on Saturday. Castillo, who was competing for the starting third base job in Florida before the Marlins released him, is batting .275 with one home run this spring.
Marlins like Jose Castillo's glove
(3/20/2008) The Palm Beach Post reports that the Marlins might be leaning toward using Jose Castillo as the starting third baseman, with Jorge Cantu backing up all around the infield, including second and first base. Castillo is a much better defender, something this team will need, but Cantu's bat can't be ignored: He's hitting .457 with two homers and 10 RBI.
Two hits for Jose Castillo
(3/4/2008) Three potential successors to Miguel Cabrera at third base for Florida all played against the Mets in a spring training game Tuesday. Jose Castillo went 2-for-3 with a homer and a double as a designated hitter. Dallas McPherson went 0-for-3 playing third, and Jorge Cantu went 1-for-2 playing first.
Castillo to get first crack at 3B
(2/15/2008) Marlins INF Jose Castillo will get first shot at the third base job vacated by Miguel Cabreral, according to The Sports Xchange. Even though he won the Venezuelan Winter League batting title, Castillo will have to prove he can hit consistently and make the switch to third base. He played mostly at second with the Pirates but he has been inconsistent the last two years.
Castillo impressive in winter ball
(1/22/2008)The Sports Xchange reports Marlins INF Jose Castillo, who hopes to win the third base job, will come into spring with an impressive winter resume: Castillo won the Venezuelan Winter League batting crown by hitting .386 (80-for-207) for the Caracas Lions.
Marlins sign Castillo; 3B starter?
(12/26/2007) Former Pittsburgh infielder Jose Castillo signed a free-agent deal with the Florida Marlins on Monday. The 26-year-old Castillo, from Venezuela, played both second and third base for Pittsburgh last season, hitting .244 with 24 RBI and no homers. In 2006, he hit .253 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI.
Pirates release infielder Castillo
(12/6/2007) The Pirates released infielder Jose Castillo on Thursday.
Castillo wants out of Pittsburgh
(9/24/2007)The Sports Xchange reports that Pirates 3B Jose Castillo, who has been buried deep on the bench by manager Jim Tracy, says he does not want to return to the Pirates in 2008 even if the Pirates change skippers. Castillo was the Pirates' starting second baseman the previous three seasons but has not started a game since Aug. 28.
Jose Castillo plays right field
(8/13/2007) Pirates RF Ryan Doumit was lifted because of a sprained left wrist in the sixth inning on Monday in the first game of a doubleheader. He was replaced by Jose Castillo, who played RF for the first time in his career and was immediately called on to catch two fly balls in the seventh. Cesar Izturis replaced him at third base and finished 0-for-1.
Jose Castillo gains 3B eligibility
(7/17/2007) Despite having never played third base in the majors prior to this season, INF Jose Castillo has made eight starts there this season and will continue to serve as the team's regular there as long as INF Jose Bautista is on the disabled list.
Castillo should get regular at-bats
(7/15/2007) Jose Bautista (hand) went of the 15-day DL and was replaced in the starting lineup Sunday by Jose Castillo.
Jose Castillo starts Sunday
(7/2/2007) 3B Jose Bautista got the day off Sunday as INF Jose Castillo made his seventh start of the season at third base against Washington.
INF Castillo gets another start
(6/13/2007) INF Jose Castillo started for the second game in a row Tuesday at Texas in place of SS Jack Wilson. Castillo was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and made some solid defensive plays Sunday at Yankee Stadium. "It would be very difficult for him to come into this clubhouse, sit down at your locker and not see your name in the lineup with the game he played (Sunday)," manager Jim Tracy said.
ABs hard to come by for Castillo
(6/8/2007) Jose Castillo has gone hitless in his past five at-bats dating back to May 20, as the at-bats have been at a premium for the second baseman.
Castillo hitting while he can
(5/16/2007) It is easy for infielder Jose Castillo to feel as if he is no longer in the middle of things with the Pirates. After being the starting second baseman the past three seasons, Castillo is now a bench player. Castillo has been getting an opportunity this week, though it figures to be a brief one, as he started at third base Tuesday night for a second consecutive game while Jose Bautista sat out with a sprained left ankle. Castillo went 2-for-4 Tuesday in a 9-3 loss to Florida after hitting a two-run double in Monday night's 7-0 win over the Marlins. Castillo had not started since April 25 until Bautista got hurt. Though it would be easy to sulk, Castillo has tried to keep a positive attitude. "I'm not mad because they made the decision that they thought we are better team with other guys in the lineup," Castillo said. "It's tough going 10 days and only getting one at-bat, but that's my job right now. Even though I want to play more, I have to be ready to do whatever job they want me to do."
Jose Castillo stays at third base
(5/15/2007) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Jose Bautista (sprained left ankle) won't go on the 15-day disabled list and he might be back within a week. "We dodged a pretty big-sized bullet," manager Jim Tracy said. "I can't say that I thought that would be the party line this afternoon, but there it is." No MRI was necessary after an ugly collision at home plate Sunday.
Jose Castillo plays third
(5/14/2007) Jose Bautista (ankle) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins. Jose Castillo is starting at third base in his absence and batting eighth for manager Jim Tracy.
Jose Castillo stays on bench
(5/14/2007) GM Dave Littlefield said trade requests made by players with less than six years of service time are meaningless because the players cannot leave through free agency. INF Jose Castillo, benched this season after starting at 2B for three years, would like to play elsewhere.
(4/28/2007) Manager Jim Tracy seems determined to make sure the Pirates never run out of outfielders. Brad Eldred, strictly a first baseman until this season, began working out in the outfield during spring training. This week, INF Jose Castillo also has begun shagging fly balls. Now, C-1B Ryan Doumit is working out in the outfield, too. Doumit has played the outfield three times in the majors, all in 2005.
Pirates to try Castillo in right
(4/25/2007) Former starting 2B Jose Castillo, now a bench player, will start taking fly balls and might get some playing time in RF. The Pirates did the same thing with Eldred to try to get him more at-bats.
Castillo gets spot 2B start
(4/18/2007) 2B Jose Castillo, who got a spot start when Freddy Sanchez was scratched with a sore left wrist, made two dazzling defensive stops. He snared Albert Pujols' liner up the middle in the first, doubling So Taguchi off first base, and robbed pinch hitter Skip Schumaker on a smash up the middle to start the sixth, finishing it with a throw to first off his knees.
Bucs' Castillo hopes for trade
(4/11/2007) 2B/3B Jose Castillo, who has lost his starting second baseman job to Freddy Sanchez after three seasons as a regular, admits he would like to move on to a team that would play him regularly, although he has not asked the Pirates for a trade.
Castillo now on Pirates' bench
(4/8/2007) The Pirates activated NL batting champion Freddy Sanchez off the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Jose Castillo heads back to the bench.
Castillo does nothing vs. Astros
(4/2/2007) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo went 0-for-3 during Monday's 4-2 win over the Astros.
Jose Castillo inherits 2B job
(3/31/2007) Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Freddy Sanchez, last season's NL batting champion, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday and will miss at least four games. Sanchez hasn't played in a major league spring game since he sprained his right medial collateral ligament turning a double play March 6. He played in minor league games Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but said his swing still isn't where he wants it to be. "I need to be able to take major league at-bats," Sanchez said.
Jose Castillo might start at 2B
(3/26/2007) NL batting champion Freddy Sanchez, frustrated with a slow-to-heal knee injury as opening day approaches, sought a second opinion Monday that confirmed the Pittsburgh Pirates' evaluation of a sprained right knee ligament. The Pirates second baseman was hurt turning a double play March 6. Still unable to run the bases or make sharp cuts in the field, he flew to Birmingham, Ala., to be evaluated and undergo a second MRI test by orthopedic surgeon James Andrews. Andrews, best associated with performing ligament-replacement surgery on pitchers' injured elbows, found no tears or other previously unseen problems in Sanchez's knee.
Castillo may be opening-day 2B
(3/25/2007) With Freddy Sanchez (knee) possibly starting the season on the DL, GM Dave Littlefield said the Pirates must begin considering alternatives. If Sanchez can't go, former starting second baseman Jose Castillo likely would start there on opening day after spending most of camp at third base. "You always have to consider both ends, and it's easier to deal with the end that goes well, but you have to be prepared for the situation that doesn't go well," Littlefield said.
Castillo loses 3B job, for now
(3/23/2007) Jose Bautista was chosen Friday as the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting third baseman, a move that sends three-year starting infielder Jose Castillo to the bench and means NL batting champion Freddy Sanchez will open the season at second base.
2B Castillo returns to lineup
(3/9/2007) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo (foot) returned to spring training action Friday against the Braves. He went 1-for-3 and left two runners on base. He is now batting .300 this spring (3-10).
INF Castillo cancels X-rays for foot
(3/4/2007) Pirates INF Jose Castillo, who was to have X-rays on his sprained right foot Monday, had those plans canceled after an encouraging workout Sunday morning. "I could play today if I had to," Castillo said. "It feels fine."
Jose Castillo sprains foot, leaves
(3/3/2007) Pittsburgh 3B Jose Castillo left Saturday's Grapefruit League game vs. the Yankees in the third with a sprained right foot.
Castillo lighter and motivated
(2/20/2007) Jose Castillo, who was called out by Jack Wilson this winter, lost his starting job late in the season, and early in the offseason was told by Pittsburgh management that he would have to win it back this spring. He is in competition with Jose Bautista for the only available starting job on the Pirates' infield. Perhaps fueled by that, Castillo played 49 games of winter ball in his native Venezuela and undertook a training regimen that helped him lose 10 pounds. "I feel good right now, different than last year," Castillo said.
Jose Castillo to show up slimmer
(2/16/2007) The pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates are expecting 2B Jose Castillo to show up 15-to-20 pounds lighter at spring training. "He's definitely in better shape now, which is a very positive thing," general manager Dave Littlefield said. "It's a sign that he committed himself to working hard and taking very seriously some of the advice we gave, like we give to every player at the end of a season."
Castillo fights to retain 2B job
(2/11/2007) The addition of Adam LaRoche means that seven of the eight Pirates' regulars are set, as he joins a lineup that also includes third baseman Freddy Sanchez, catcher Ronny Paulino, shortstop Jack Wilson, left fielder Jason Bay, center fielder Chris Duffy and right fielder Xavier Nady. The biggest question mark is second base, where three-year incumbent Jose Castillo will have to fight to retain his job after an awful second half in 2006. If Castillo is bumped from the lineup, Sanchez would move from third base to second base, and infielder/outfielder Jose Bautista would be the starting third baseman.
Castillo, Bautista battle for job
(2/8/2007) Second baseman Jose Castillo and the Pirates avoided arbitration Wednesday, agreeing to a $1.9 million, one-year contract. Castillo hit .253 with 14 homers and 65 RBI last season, when he slumped badly over the second half of the season. He was hitting .283 July 5, but went 8-for-73 (.110) with two RBI and two extra-base hits after Sept. 1.
Pirates have arbitration cases
(1/16/2007) Pirates still in salary arbitration are outfielder Jody Gerut, who missed most of the last two seasons with knee injuries; right-hander Shawn Chacon, second baseman Jose Castillo and left-handed reliever John Grabow. Castillo filed for $2.2 million, while the Pirates countered with $1.8 million. Gerut wants $925,000, which is $125,000 more than the Pirates' offer. Grabow is seeking $925,000, with the Pirates offering $765,000. Chacon, obtained from the Yankees in the late-season Craig Wilson trade, wants $4.25 million, while the Pirates countered with $3.7 million. Chacon made $3.6 million while going a combined 7-6 with a 6.36 ERA for the Yankees and Pirates. He was 2-3 with a 5.48 ERA in nine games with Pittsburgh.
Castillo returns to lineup
(8/13/2006) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo returned to the lineup Sunday vs. St. Louis after not starting the first two games of the series. He had started 104 of the first 113 games.
J. Castillo hits one out
(8/4/2006) Jose Castillo homered at the Cubs Friday. He led off the fourth with his 13th homer for a 4-0 lead.
Castillo moves up in lineup
(7/29/2006) Tracy flipped the lineup spots of C Ronny Paulino and 2B Jose Castillo for Friday night's game against San Francisco, a move Tracy said better serves the lineup and he hopes will jumpstart Castillo.
Castillo's AVG down to .279
(7/11/2006) At the All-Star break, Pirates 2B Jose Castillo is hitting .279 with 11 HR, 45 RBI, 38 runs and four steals through 305 AB. When he was on his home-run streak in late May (when he hit six HR in five games), he was hitting .309. His last HR came June 15.
Castillo in 4-for-33 skid
(6/26/2006) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo's funk continued Sunday as he was 0-for-4. Castillo is just 4-for-33 (.121) in his last 11 games after hitting .361 in his previous 32 games.
Castillo getting all-star push
(6/20/2006) Jason Bay took a step closer Monday toward becoming the first Pittsburgh Pirates player to be voted into an All-Star Game as a starter since 1993. Bay moved up to third in the voting among National League outfielders in the results released by Major League Baseball, trailing New York's Carlos Beltran and Washington's Alfonso Soriano. OF Andy Van Slyke was the last Pirates player to be elected as a starter. Pirates 2B Jose Castillo is third and SS Jack Wilson is fourth in the voting while 3B Freddy Sanchez and C Ronny Paulino have received the most write-in votes in the NL.
Jose Castillo has big night
(6/14/2006) Jose Castillo homered and drove in four runs, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates past the St. Louis Cardinals, 9-7 Wednesday night. Castillo had an RBI double in the second -- one of three Pirates three-run innings. He then made it 9-5 with a three-run homer off reliever Brad Thompson in the sixth. The drive to left field followed Craig Wilson's double and Freddy Sanchez's walk.
(6/14/2006) Jose Castillo, who was 5-for-25 on the seven-game road trip that ended Sunday, got Tuesday off. Castillo is only 1-for-12 with five strikeouts against St. Louis RHP Chris Carpenter.
Castillo won't sit for Randa often
(6/14/2006) Joe Randa's return from the DL on Tuesday pushed red-hot Freddy Sanchez to second and Jose Castillo to the bench. Sanchez went 2-for-4. Randa won't be an everyday player, though, with Sanchez getting the majority of playing time at third base. "I'm ecstatic for Freddy because he received an opportunity and has done a great job with it," Randa said. "I'm his biggest fan, and I feel he deserves to start. I'm not going to be sitting on the bench being bitter and hoping he makes outs. I'm going to be pulling for him."
Castillo ties game, doesn't homer
(6/1/2006) Pirates stud 2B Jose Castillo continued his clutch hitting by nearly smacking a game-ending homer vs. Milwaukee on Thursday with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Castillo's hit went off the top of the wall and doubled, scoring the tying run. His home run streak ended at five straight games.
Castillo homers in fifth straight
(5/31/2006) Pirates second baseman Jose Castillo homered in his fifth straight game Wednesday night in a win over the Brewers. Castillo got a hit in his sixth consecutive at-bat when he drove a 2-2 pitch from starter Chris Capuano just over the right-center wall in the second inning, scoring Freddy Sanchez. Castillo, who entered with an NL-leading .419 batting average since May 9, has six home runs in five games and eight this season. He entered the year with 19 home runs in 753 career at-bats.
Castillo homers twice, has six RBI
(5/31/2006) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo homered twice and finished with a career-high six RBI to help the Pirates beat the Brewers 12-1 on Tuesday. Castillo, who has homered in four consecutive games and has seven on the season, hit a solo drive to left-center in the second and a three-run shot to left in the third that traveled an estimated 441 feet. It was the first multi-homer game of Castillo's career; he narrowly missed a third home run in the seventh when his high flyball to center hit off the top of the wall. He was forced to settle for an RBI double. "He had a huge day," teammate Freddy Sanchez said. "These last couple weeks, he's just come out and is hitting the ball hard with authority and he's driving the ball real well."
Jose Castillo takes a breather
(5/29/2006) 2B Jose Castillo got the day off Sunday after starting 23 consecutive games. INF Freddy Sanchez started in Castillo's place, moving over from third base while INF/OF Jose Bautista started at third. Bautista hit a three-run home run.
Castillo's average on the rise
(5/20/2006) Jose Castillo went 1-for-3 on Friday night to keep his hitting streak alive at nine games. He is 17-for-35 (.486) during the streak, raising his batting average from .218 to .287.
Jose Castillo hitting .218
(5/8/2006) 2B Jose Castillo is still entrenched as the starter, although his batting average fell to .218 after he went 0 for 4 Sunday and the Pirates have some options at second in INF Freddy Sanchez and INF/OF Jose Bautista. Castillo, 6 for 52 (.115) in his last 15 games, has not driven in a run since April 13 and has not homered since April 8.
Castillo could lose playing time
(5/4/2006) 2B Jose Castillo stands to lose playing time to hot-hitting INF Freddy Sanchez if he continues to struggle at the plate. Castillo went 0-for-5 on Wednesday night and is 4-for-40 (.100) in his last 11 games. He also hasn't knocked in a run since April 13.
Jose Castillo gets day off
(5/1/2006) The slumping Castillo got the day off on Sunday against the Phillies, a day after manager Jim Tracy moved him down to the eighth spot in Pittsburgh's batting order.
J. Castillo took Monday off
(4/25/2006) 2B Jose Castillo was on the bench Monday night as he had gone 7-for-31 (.226) in his last 10 games, including 1-for-11 in a three-game weekend series at Houston. Manager Jim Tracy felt Castillo became too conscious of trying to hit home runs to the short left-field porch at Minute Maid Park and fell into bad habits.
Castillo hitting .327 this year
(4/19/2006) Any questions the Pirates had about the condition of Jose Castillo's left knee have long been answered. Castillo, who tore a ligament in his knee late last season, started the first 15 games of the season before resting Tuesday. "He's done a great job and he's really shown me he has a chance to be a very special player," manager Jim Tracy said. "He's a tremendous talent." Tracy also feels Castillo has the chance to become an above-average offensive player. In fact, Tracy compared him to Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Castillo keeps on hitting
(4/18/2006) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo has played well so far this season, getting 16 hits in 49 AB. He has six hits in his last seven games (20 AB) with one RBI, one run, two BB and two SB.
Castillo has another 3-hit game
(4/9/2006) 2B Jose Castillo had a homer and two singles Saturday for his third three-hit game of the week.
Castillo hot out of the gate
(4/6/2006) 2B Jose Castillo seems primed for a breakout season as he went 3-for-4 on Thursday. He already has two three-hit outings in the first four games of the season and is hitting .467 (7-for-15).
Castillo gets ready for 2B job
(3/29/2006) 2B Jose Castillo appeared locked in for the start of the regular season as he went 2-for-4 Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Castillo has nine hits in his last 19 at bats and is hitting .400 this spring.
Castillo continues torrid spring
(3/19/2006) Jose Castillo went 2-for-3 with three RBIs Saturday vs. Cincinnati and is 4-for-5 with three runs scored in his last two games. He is hitting .481 this spring.
Castillo shows burgeoning power
(3/7/2006) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo hit a three-run homer Monday. "He's got some impressive skills," Pirates GM Dave Littlefield said. "With him, the two things that jump out are the arm strength and power. He's going to have to show more consistency with contact, controlling the strike zone better and getting in better hitting counts." Castillo says he is fully recovered from the torn left knee ligament that caused him to miss the final five weeks of last season. "He has a lot of the same attributes that Adrian Beltre possesses," new manager Jim Tracy said.
Tracy high on Jose Castillo
(2/27/2006) Pirates 2B Jose Castillo is not totally in top form but should be ready for the start of the season after missing the final five weeks of last season with a torn ligament in his left knee. Castillo hit 11 home runs in 101 games last season, and new manager Jim Tracy compares him to Seattle 3B Adrian Beltre. Beltre hit a National League-leading 48 home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004, a team managed by Tracy.
Jose Castillo fields better
(2/22/2006) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Castillo (knee ligament) fared better Tuesday in his second day of fielding about 30 grounders than he did the first day. He was much cleaner and looked less stiff.
Jose Castillo fully recovered
(2/17/2006) Jose Castillo says he is fully recovered from the torn left knee ligament that caused him to miss the final five weeks of last season. He wants to play for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic next month, but the Pirates prefer he remain in their camp in order for them to monitor the condition of his knee.
Castillo casted in Round 14
(2/13/2006) In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, Pirates 2B Jose Castillo was selected in the 14th round (163rd overall).
Castillo ready for breakthrough
(1/17/2006) Jose Castillo was able to take part in the Pirates' minicamp this weekend -- fielding grounders and taking BP on Friday -- as he is coming off knee surgery. "There's no pain or anything," Castillo told MLB.com. "I'm working hard this year to be the starting second baseman and (improve) my hitting."
Pirates bring Castillo off DL
(11/21/2005) Pitchers Sean Burnett and John Van Benschoten, who each missed last season because of surgery, were reinstated from the 60-day disabled list along with second baseman Jose Castillo and outfielder Chris Duffy.
Jose Castillo moved to 60-day DL
(8/27/2005) Second baseman Jose Castillo, who sustained a season-ending knee injury Aug. 22, was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list Saturday.
(8/24/2005) Castillo (knee) will be out for the remainder of the season due to a torn left medial collateral ligament.
Jose Castillo lands on 15-day DL
(8/23/2005) The Pirates placed Castillo on the 15-day disabled list on Monday due to an injured left knee. He suffered an injury to his medial collateral ligament in Monday's game against the Cardinals.
Pirates' Castillo piling up RBI
(8/22/2005) 2B Jose Castillo has 15 RBI in his past 14 games.
Jose Castillo heating up
(8/11/2005) Castillo was 3-for-5 with a triple, two runs scored and three RBI in Thursday's game at Colorado.
Jose Castillo plays Friday
(7/9/2005) Castillo went 1-for-4 with a run scored against the Mets Friday.
Jose Castillo unable to go
(7/7/2005) Castillo did not start Thursday's game against the Phillies due to a sore hamstring.
Pirates' Castillo returns to action
(7/3/2005) Jose Castillo went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk Saturday in his return from mild chest pains related to asthma.
Jose Castillo has chest pain
(6/30/2005) Castillo was forced to leave Wednesday's game at Washington due to mild chest pain related to asthma. He was used a pinch runner in Thursday's game.
Bucs' Castillo on a tear
(5/17/2005) Pittsburgh is 7-3 since 2B Jose Castillo came off the disabled list May 5. Castillo had been out since April 6 with a strained left oblique.
Jose Castillo has big game
(5/6/2005) Castillo was 3-for-4 with a triple, home run and two RBI in Thursday's game at Arizona, his first since being activated from the 15-day disabled list due to an oblique injury.
Jose Castillo activated
(5/5/2005) The Pirates activated Castillo (oblique) from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday.
J. Castillo close to returning
(5/5/2005) Jose Castillo, on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain, could return to Pittsburgh as soon as Thursday. "He's done fine with the plan," Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon said. "If I like the way everything checks out, he'll be back tomorrow." Castillo has gone 3-for-10 with a homer and walk in his first three games with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Castillo 2-for-6 in rehab start
(5/3/2005) Infielder Jose Castillo was 2-for-6 with a home run in his first two games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis. Castillo has a left oblique strain.
2B Castillo begins rehab assignment
(4/30/2005) 2B Jose Castillo, out since April 6 with a strained left oblique, will begin a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.
Jose Castillo waits on rehab
(4/28/2005) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates won't send Castillo (oblique) to Triple-A Indianapolis to start his rehab assignment until he can perform his hitting and fielding exercises with "a little more fluidity" according to general manager Dave Littlefield.
Jose Castillo to begin rehab
(4/26/2005) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Castillo (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday at Triple-A Indianapolis after taking batting practice with the Pirates on Monday.
Jose Castillo might return soon
(4/19/2005) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Castillo (strained oblique) could be back sooner than they expected. He did some fielding drills and threw indoors Monday at PNC Park. He might swing a bat on Tuesday. "Everything is feeling very good," he said.
Jose Castillo recovering
(4/18/2005) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Castillo (oblique) might begin swinging a bat next weekend and then begin a rehab assignment if all goes well some time early next week.
Pirates' Castillo goes on DL
(4/7/2005) The Pirates placed starting second baseman Jose Castillo on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a strained oblique in his left side. Castillo was hurt swinging at a pitch by Milwaukee's Doug Davis in the second inning of the Pirates' 10-2 loss Wednesday.
2B J. Castillo strains oblique
(4/6/2005) Pirates second baseman Jose Castillo left Wednesday's game against Milwaukee with a strained oblique in his left side. He was injured while batting in the second inning but remained in the game to strike out against Brewers left-hander Doug Davis. He was replaced in the field by Rob Mackowiak to start the third. One other Pirates player -- catcher Humberto Cota -- is on the 15-day disabled list with a similar injury.
Castillo powers Pirates
(8/15/2004) Jose Castillo went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI Saturday against the Rockies.
Jose Castillo scores four runs
(7/25/2004) Castillo went 1-for-4, but scored four runs Saturday against the Reds. He reached on two fielder's choices, a fielding error and a single.
Jose Castillo sits again
(6/7/2004) Castillo has started just once in the past four games. He is in a 4-for-27 slump.
Jose Castillo playing well
(4/20/2004) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Castillo has performed well at second base for the Pirates early in his rookie season. He has hit safely in his past four starts. "I always thought he's going to hit at this level," said manager Lloyd McClendon. "I don't know how fast the hitting will come. I don't think he's overmatched by any means."
Jose Castillo gets time at second
(4/3/2004) Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon said Jose Castillo and Bobby Hill will share time at second base.
(3/30/2004) Castillo appears to be set to open the season as Pittsburgh's starting second baseman.
Jose Castillo won't be called up
(9/8/2003) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Castillo will not be promoted from Double-A Altoona now that their season is over. Castillo will play winter ball in Venezuela and probably return next season with Triple-A Nashville. His position has not been determined, although Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said, "You're always looking to have more shortstops than anything."
Pirates prospect sprains ankle
(6/11/2003) According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jose Castillo, who is with Double-A Altoona, suffered a badly sprained ankle Monday sliding into second base.
