Brewers add right-hander Jesus Castillo as non-roster invitee

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Jesus Castillo as a non-roster player with an invite to Spring Training. Could Castillo make an impact on the Major League roster?

While Milwaukee Brewers GM David Stearns is still looking to make a move that will impact the active roster, the team is still open for business. Right-hander Jesus Castillo will join the team in Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. Is he guaranteed to head to San Antonio, or could he crack the Major League bullpen?

Where did Castillo come from?

Castillo started his career in 2012 after getting signed out of Venezuela by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Castillo and Erick Leal were sent to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Tony Campana. He bounced around the lower levels of the Cubs’ Minor League system for about 3 1/2 years until he was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels for reliever Joe Smith in 2016, and he’s been with the Angels organization ever since.

2019 was Castillo’s age-24 season, and he tossed 99 2/3 innings and posted a 2.71 ERA with the Angels’ Double-A affiliate. He struck out 80, walked 26, and was tagged for four homers.

Is there a scouting report on Castillo?

Baseball America has one!

Castillo’s fastball sits in the 88 MPH-to-92 MPH range, and can top out at 93 MPH if he’s really feeling it. It’s been reported that his heater features a bit of sink to it, making it an effective pitch for generating ground balls. He also has a curve and a change up as secondary pitches that he’s capable of throwing for strikes. There is some deception to his delivery, and he’s not afraid to go after hitters. He has enough of a repertoire to start, but he’s quickest path to the Majors will come in the bullpen.

He’s never pitched above Double-A, so it’s really unlikely that he works his way into the Brewers bullpen in 2020. It’s more likely that he has a solid Spring, earns a spot on the Triple-A roster, and works his way into a late season call up if the Brewers suffer another rash of injuries in the bullpen. If starts the year as the Brewers seventh or eighth reliever, the off season would have to have been a complete failure. A team that’s truly in contention needs to aim higher when building its roster.