Castillo has been named the Mariners' Opening Day starter, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Robbie Ray was another good candidate, but Castillo gets the nod. The right-hander will take the ball March 30 at home against the Guardians and Shane Bieber.
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Mariners' Luis Castillo: Serviceable thus far in spring
Rotowire
Castillo has allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits, two walks and a hit batsman while recording six strikeouts across 4.1 innings during his first two Cactus League starts.
Castillo, who opted to forgo pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic to instead go through his first full spring training with the Mariners, is getting a decent amount of work in thus far. The right-hander worked up to only 22 pitches in his most recent start Monday against the Cubs, however, so he's likely to see a notable bump in pitch count in his next start.
Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto told reporters Wednesday that Castillo won't pitch in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
"It's a choice that we made together," Dipoto told reporters. The Mariners want Castillo to have a full spring training in his first full season with the club, and Castillo agreed. The right-hander was excellent in his time with Seattle after being traded from the Reds shortly before last season's deadline, producing a 3.17 ERA, 77:17 K:BB and 1.10 WHIP over 65.1 innings across 11 starts. He'll open the year as the ace of Seattle's pitching staff, with the combination of last season's body of work and that of his previous campaigns suggesting he'll be a top-end fantasy asset again in 2023.
Mariners' Luis Castillo: Starting Game 1 in Toronto
Rotowire
Castillo will start Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Blue Jays on Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Castillo finished the regular season Saturday by giving up one run over six innings against the A's, and he'll take the mound in the postseason opener for Seattle. The 29-year-old righty was acquired from the Reds at the trade deadline and delivered a 3.17 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 77:17 K:BB across 65.1 frames in 11 starts with the Mariners.
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Mariners' Luis Castillo: Allows one run in win
Rotowire
Castillo (4-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk over six innings against the Athletics. He struck out eight.
Castillo allowed an RBI single from Jordan Diaz to open the scoring in the first inning but was otherwise without blemishes. The righty has been inconsistent over his last 10 starts, allowing four runs or more three times and one run or fewer five times. The 29-year-old's 2.99 ERA during 2022 is the best of his six-year career.
Mariners' Luis Castillo: Gives up five runs Sunday
Rotowire
Castillo allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five in 5.1 innings during Sunday's loss to the Royals. He didn't factor into the decision.
Castillo gave up just two runs over the first five innings of Sunday's matchup and appeared to be in good shape to pick up a win since the Mariners' offense put up eight runs in the top of the fifth inning. However, he allowed five innings in the bottom of the sixth inning, and the Royals' offense ultimately combined for 11 runs during the frame. The right-hander has been inconsistent since the start of September, posting a 3.90 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 27.2 innings over five starts. He projects to make his next start at home against the Athletics on Saturday.
Mariners' Luis Castillo: Signs five-year extension
Rotowire
Castillo and the Mariners agreed to terms on a five-year, $108 million extension Saturday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Castillo was due to become a free agent after the 2023 season, but he'll now be under contract through 2027, and potentially 2028 thanks to a vesting option. The deal is excellent news for Castillo's long-term fantasy value, as it means he's now set to remain in one of the best pitchers' parks in the league for the foreseeable future. He's certainly enjoyed his time in Seattle thus far, posting a 2.83 ERA and a 29.1 percent strikeout rate in his first nine starts as a Mariner.
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Mariners' Luis Castillo: Can't escape fifth inning
Rotowire
Castillo (7-6) took the loss during Tuesday's 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Athletics, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 4.2 innings.
Castillo cruised through the first four frames before surrendering five consecutive two-out baserunners and all four runs in the fifth, prompting his removal. The 29-year-old fired 54 of 85 pitches for strikes with 13 of the swinging variety, though the four strikeouts match his lowest total in a start since June 15. Castillo has alternated stellar and subpar performances through four September turns, with the result being a 2.82 ERA across 22.1 innings. He's tentatively slated to pitch again Sunday in Kansas City.
