The Tigers have added right-handed reliever Kervin Castro on a minor league deal, according to his MLB transaction log.
Castro, 23, split time between the Cubs and Giants in 2022, tossing 12 1/3 innings of 10.22 ERA ball while striking out batters at a 19.3% clip against a 12.3% walk rate. It was a disappointing step back after a promising first stint in the big leagues back in 2021. That year, Castro threw 13 1/3 innings without giving up an earned run and showing above-average strikeout and walk rates.
Originally signed out of Venezuela back in 2015, Castro came through the Giants system putting up solid numbers. In 2019 he made 14 starts and pitched to a 2.66 ERA in Low-A. With no minor league baseball in 2020, Castro went straight to Triple-A in 2021 and began working as a reliever, pitching to a 2.86 ERA in 44 innings and earning a first call-up to the big leagues.
While the results in 2022 weren’t encouraging, Castro’s shown some promise in the past and is young enough that there’s certainly a chance he’ll find some form again. In any case, he’ll provide the Tigers with a bit of minor league pitching depth going into the 2023 season.