Luis Castillo accomplished two of his goals last year: He was the Reds' opening day starter and made the All-Star team. He's aiming higher in 2020.
With an upgraded offense behind him, Cincinnati's best starter thinks he's capable of winning the Cy Young Award.
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Luis Castillo accomplished two of his goals last year: He was the Reds' opening day starter and made the All-Star team. He's aiming higher in 2020.
“I think with this team filled with veterans, it is something we can do together," he said.
“He had a phenomenal year,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Just staying hungry and continuing to get better will help him reach his potential, which is through the roof. We saw a lot last year and there's more in there for sure.”
Castillo struggled near the end of the season as his innings piled up. He had a 4.40 ERA in his last eight starts, giving up at least five runs three times.
The Reds finished near the bottom of the National League in runs scored last season despite playing in one of its most hitter-friendly ballparks. The additions of infielder Mike Moustakas and outfielders Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama are expected to provide a significant upgrade,
NOTES: Reds star 1B Joey Votto, from Canada, paid tribute to late Blue Jays star Tony Fernandez by writing on his cap: “RIP Tony. My dad and I loved you."
“I try to set goals every year,” Castillo said. “Even though I got those two goals, I want to get three goals. I want to get three goals and add the Cy Young and make the playoff."
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26), left, and Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58), right, run up a hill during a conditioning drill, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at the Reds spring training baseball facility in Goodyear, Ari.z. (Kareem ElgazzarThe Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
“I think with this team filled with veterans, it is something we can do together," he said.
Castillo, 27, had a breakout season in every way last year. He was 11-4 with a 2.63 ERA in early August before fading down the stretch of his most challenging season. He finished 15-8 with a 3.40 and 226 strikeouts in 190 2/3 innings.
The first-time All-Star had career highs in wins, innings and strikeouts, relying on a changeup that former Cubs manager Joe Maddon likened to a “Bugs Bunny change-up” because of the way it complements his fastball.
Cincinnati Reds special assistant Mario Soto, left, hits a baseball to Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) during drills, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at the baseball team's spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. (Kareem ElgazzarThe Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
“He had a phenomenal year,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Just staying hungry and continuing to get better will help him reach his potential, which is through the roof. We saw a lot last year and there's more in there for sure.”
Over the last three seasons, Castillo leads the Reds' staff with 28 wins, 78 starts, 449 2/3 innings and 489 strikeouts. He'll be eligible for arbitration next year.
Castillo got attention with his impressive beginning to last season. Bell chose him for the opening day start, and he allowed only two hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-3 win over Pittsburgh. After 10 starts, he was 5-1 with a 1.90 ERA, allowing only three homers overall.
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) takes the field for workouts, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at the Reds spring training baseball facility in Goodyear, Ari.z. (Kareem ElgazzarThe Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
Castillo struggled near the end of the season as his innings piled up. He had a 4.40 ERA in his last eight starts, giving up at least five runs three times.
He's trying to use his changeup more strategically this season.
“The small little things are what we are focusing on this year,” Castillo said. “The mistakes from last year. We will learn from this year.”
Cincinnati Reds bullpen coach Lee Tunnell (60) Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) walk between drills, Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at the baseball team's spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. (Kareem ElgazzarThe Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
The Reds finished near the bottom of the National League in runs scored last season despite playing in one of its most hitter-friendly ballparks. The additions of infielder Mike Moustakas and outfielders Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama are expected to provide a significant upgrade,
The Reds also added to an already impressive rotation by signing left-hander Wade Miley. Castillo leads a rotation that includes All-Star Sonny Gray, Trevor Bauer and Anthony DeSclafani.
“I gives me such confidence," Castillo said.
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) gestures as he talks to starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58), Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at the baseball team's spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz. (Kareem ElgazzarThe Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
NOTES: Reds star 1B Joey Votto, from Canada, paid tribute to late Blue Jays star Tony Fernandez by writing on his cap: “RIP Tony. My dad and I loved you."
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Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) throws long tosses, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at the Reds spring training baseball facility in Goodyear, Ari.z. (Kareem ElgazzarThe Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)