Report: Astros join list of teams interested in Luis Castillo

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo. David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Astros join list of teams interested in Reds SP Luis Castillo

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/15/22

The MLB trade deadline is a little more than a week away, and the rumor mill is picking up steam.

Cincinnati Reds ace Luis Castillo is one of the most sought-after starting pitchers on the trade market, with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers already linked to the two-time All-Star.

Reportedly joining the fray are the Houston Astros, according to Newsday's Erik Boland.

Yankees, obviously, among the large group of teams w/ an interest in Luis Castillo. Also in that group: the Astros. A straw poll of rival evaluators elicited the same answer regarding if HOU has the system to pay the high price: “oh, absolutely.” Will be a fascinating sweepstakes
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) July 15, 2022

Earlier on Friday, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reported the Yankees and Dodgers were "best-positioned to land" Castillo.

If the Astros can land Castillo ahead of the deadline, he'd join an already-potent starting rotation that boasts the lowest team ERA in baseball (2.99).

Houston is currently running away with the top spot in the AL West with a 58-30 record, a full 11 games ahead of the second-place Seattle Mariners.

Since giving up a season-high four earned runs against the Dodgers on June 22, Castillo has posted four quality starts in a row for the Reds. Over his last four outings, Castillo has allowed a combined three earned runs while posting 33 strikeouts.

Despite pitching well, Castillo has earned a decision just once over his last six starts. On Thursday against the Yankees, Castillo pitched 7.0 innings, allowing one earned run off only two hits, but received a no-decision in a 7-6 Reds victory.

Castillo is 3-4 with a 2.77 ERA in 13 starts for the Reds this season.

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