Free-agent right-hander Miguel Castro has signed a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros that includes an invitation to big-league spring training camp. Castro, a 30-year-old veteran from the Dominican Republic, heads to the American League West after spending the 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his 11 relief appearances over 13 2/3 innings with Arizona, Castro had a 5.93 ERA and 1.68 WHIP with eight strikeouts and three walks. The previous year in the desert, he had a career-high seven saves in a league-high 75 appearances out of the bullpen. Castro debuted in the big leagues back in 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays and Colorado Rockies and has a career 4.20 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 14 saves and a 410:233 K:BB in his 460 2/3 innings. If he makes the big-league roster in 2025 in Houston, he'll battle for setup duties out of the bullpen.

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Miguel Castro (shoulder) threw 17 pitches in an Arizona Complex League game on Tuesday and will throw again on Saturday, possibly to rehabbing catcher Gabriel Moreno (thumb), according to manager Torey Lovullo. The skipper explained that he would not be surprised to see Castro get a look at a minor-league affiliate before coming off the injured list. The 29-year-old got some run as Arizona's closer early last year and picked up a career-high seven saves when all was said and done, but he didn't last long as a ninth-inning man and didn't get off to a good start for the Snakes in his 8 2/3 relief innings before injuring his shoulder, allowing five earned runs on 12 hits while walking one and striking out six.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Miguel Castro (shoulder) was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Monday, consisting of one inning and 25 pitches. Castro has thrown multiple bullpen sessions and is now facing live hitters, so he's getting close to going on what could be a short minor-league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old relief pitcher is rehabbing from right-shoulder inflammation. Barring a setback in his recovery, he should be back with the Diamondbacks' bullpen before the All-Star break in mid-July. Before landing on the shelf, Castro had a 5.19 ERA (3.61 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with six strikeouts and one walk in just 8 2/3 innings pitched. He's in his 10th major-league season and has a 4.17 career ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 14 saves in 455 2/3 innings pitched. Castro isn't really on the fantasy radar, even in holds leagues.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Miguel Castro was tasked with the seventh inning on Tuesday, trying to protect a 4-4 tie against the New York Mets. Things didn't go as planned, as the 28-year-old allowed two runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one. Castro was the losing pitcher, and he now owns a 7.20 ERA since the start of June. The nine-year veteran still sports respectable numbers, as he's posted a 3.67 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 19.3% strikeout rate with seven saves and nine holds over 38 games. However, Castro hasn't recorded a save since June 12, and manager Torey Lovullo looks to prefer Scott McGough or Andrew Chafin in the ninth inning. Fantasy managers in standard leagues can drop the former prospect.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Miguel Castro had a tough outing Sunday, allowing four runs while taking the blown save and the loss in an 8-5 defeat against the Atlanta Braves. Castro loaded the bases on a hit and two walks before Eddie Rosario took him deep for a grand slam. It is the first runs Castro has allowed since April 7, so we'll give him a pass on this one. He now has a 3.46 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 23:10 K:BB ratio over 26 IP. He has converted six of his eight save chances and should continue to split opportunities with lefty Andrew Chafin depending on the lineup context of their opponent.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Miguel Castro picked up his fifth save of the season in Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Castro allowed just an infield single and struck out two in his inning of work. He now has a 2.22 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 22 strikeouts in 24 IP on the season and has been the Diamondbacks best reliever. He has also managed to pick up four of his five saves in May and seems to be the preferred option in the ninth. He should be rostered in any leagues where saves or holds matter.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Miguel Castro completed his fifth save of the season on Tuesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning in the 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The save was his third since May 17, and he now owns a 2.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 22.5% strikeout rate over 22.1 innings. Andrew Chafin is also pitching well with a 3.26 ERA and is the only other arm in Arizona's pen with multiple saves, as he has seven to his name. Both guys should be in the mix for ninth-inning opportunities moving forward, so if Castro's available, fantasy managers wanting to add saves should consider the 28-year-old.

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Miguel Castro allowed one walk while striking out three to pick up the save in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He entered the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. The 28-year-old issued a leadoff walk but later struck out the side to earn his fourth save of the season. He owns a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 19:7 K: BB across 20 2/3 innings in 2023. Castro is in the mix for saves for the Diamondbacks and has now collected two saves and a win over his last four appearances. Fantasy managers searching for saves should look to add Castro in all leagues.

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Miguel Castro recorded his third save of the season on Wednesday after pitching the ninth inning and holding the Oakland Athletics scoreless with one strikeout to secure the 5-3 victory. The 28-year-old is running a 2.75 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 20.8% strikeout rate across 19.2 innings this year. With Andrew Chafin pitching back-to-back days and Scott McGough throwing 49 pitches on Tuesday, Castro was bound to pick up some late-inning work. Fantasy managers can't expect the nine-year veteran to get the bulk of saves, but with seven holds already, he has plenty of value in hold leagues.

The Arizona Diamondbacks and free-agent reliever Miguel Castro agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal on Friday, according to a source familiar with the situation. Castro went 5-0 with the New York Yankees in 2022, posting a 4.03 ERA (3.84 FIP), a 1.45 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 29 innings over 34 relief appearances in the Bronx. The 27-year-old figures to be used in more of a middle-relief role with the Diamondbacks, leaving him very little fantasy appeal out of the bullpen. In 382 1/3 career big-league innings over eight MLB seasons, Castro has pitched to a 4.12 ERA (4.73 FIP), a 1.41 WHIP, seven saves and 342 strikeouts in 382 1/3 innings in his 333 appearances (four starts).

The New York Yankees reinstated right-hander Miguel Castro (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list on Monday and designated right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez for assignment in a corresponding move. Castro will get a shot to appear in the final three regular season games this week against the Texas Rangers before the team begins their postseason run in the American League Division Series next week. The 27-year-old went on the injured list back in mid-July with a right shoulder strain. Before the injury, Castro was 5-0 with a 4.00 ERA (3.74 FIP), a 1.41 WHIP and a 30:13 K:BB in 27 innings over 32 relief appearances for the Yankees.

A reliever swap has been made between the two New York franchises. The Yankees have sent left-hander Joely Rodriguez to the Mets in exchange for right-hander Miguel Castro. Castro was the superior reliever by all measures last year, posting a 3.45 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP while averaging 9.9 K/9 over 70.1 innings. Rodriguez, meanwhile, had a 4.66 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP with 9.1 K/9 over 46.1 innings. The Mets were in need of a lefty arm out of the pen, which likely sparked this trade. The Mets' primary setup men Seth Lugo, Trevor May and Adam Ottavino are all righties, so Rodriguez gives the team a southpaw to throw into the mix.

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Votto homered for the seventh straight game, one shy of a major league record, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday night. Jonathan India went deep twice for the Reds, including a leadoff shot that came on Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch with the Mets. Acquired from Cleveland in January, the veteran right-hander finally made his New York debut after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was an up-and-down day for the Mets, who made a big deal to get Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs before baseball’s trade deadline — and then revealed injured ace Jacob deGrom will be shut down for two more weeks because of inflammation in his pitching elbow, making it unlikely he’ll rejoin the NL East leaders before September. Báez was acquired from the Cubs along with right-hander Trevor Williams for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Báez is expected to join the Mets on Saturday and will play shortstop... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Votto homered for the seventh straight game, one shy of a major league record, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday night. Jonathan India went deep twice for the Reds, including a leadoff shot that came on Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch with the Mets. Acquired from Cleveland in January, the veteran right-hander finally made his New York debut after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was an up-and-down day for the Mets, who made a big deal to get Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs before baseball’s trade deadline — and then revealed injured ace Jacob deGrom will be shut down for two more weeks because of inflammation in his pitching elbow, making it unlikely he’ll rejoin the NL East leaders before September. Báez was acquired from the Cubs along with right-hander Trevor Williams for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Báez is expected to join the Mets on Saturday and will play shortstop... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Votto homered for the seventh straight game, one shy of a major league record, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday night. Jonathan India went deep twice for the Reds, including a leadoff shot that came on Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch with the Mets. Acquired from Cleveland in January, the veteran right-hander finally made his New York debut after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was an up-and-down day for the Mets, who made a big deal to get Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs before baseball’s trade deadline — and then revealed injured ace Jacob deGrom will be shut down for two more weeks because of inflammation in his pitching elbow, making it unlikely he’ll rejoin the NL East leaders before September. Báez was acquired from the Cubs along with right-hander Trevor Williams for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Báez is expected to join the Mets on Saturday and will play shortstop... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Votto homered for the seventh straight game, one shy of a major league record, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday night. Jonathan India went deep twice for the Reds, including a leadoff shot that came on Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch with the Mets. Acquired from Cleveland in January, the veteran right-hander finally made his New York debut after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was an up-and-down day for the Mets, who made a big deal to get Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs before baseball’s trade deadline — and then revealed injured ace Jacob deGrom will be shut down for two more weeks because of inflammation in his pitching elbow, making it unlikely he’ll rejoin the NL East leaders before September. Báez was acquired from the Cubs along with right-hander Trevor Williams for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Báez is expected to join the Mets on Saturday and will play shortstop... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Votto homered for the seventh straight game, one shy of a major league record, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday night. Jonathan India went deep twice for the Reds, including a leadoff shot that came on Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch with the Mets. Acquired from Cleveland in January, the veteran right-hander finally made his New York debut after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was an up-and-down day for the Mets, who made a big deal to get Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs before baseball’s trade deadline — and then revealed injured ace Jacob deGrom will be shut down for two more weeks because of inflammation in his pitching elbow, making it unlikely he’ll rejoin the NL East leaders before September. Báez was acquired from the Cubs along with right-hander Trevor Williams for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Báez is expected to join the Mets on Saturday and will play shortstop... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Votto homered for the seventh straight game, one shy of a major league record, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday night. Jonathan India went deep twice for the Reds, including a leadoff shot that came on Carlos Carrasco’s first pitch with the Mets. Acquired from Cleveland in January, the veteran right-hander finally made his New York debut after recovering from a hamstring injury. It was an up-and-down day for the Mets, who made a big deal to get Javier Báez from the Chicago Cubs before baseball’s trade deadline — and then revealed injured ace Jacob deGrom will be shut down for two more weeks because of inflammation in his pitching elbow, making it unlikely he’ll rejoin the NL East leaders before September. Báez was acquired from the Cubs along with right-hander Trevor Williams for outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Báez is expected to join the Mets on Saturday and will play shortstop... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Tony La Russa moved past John McGraw into sole possession of second on baseball’s career manager wins list, directing the Chicago White Sox to a 3-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. It was win No. 2,764 for La Russa, who was hired by Chicago in October for his first managerial job since he led St. Louis to the World Series championship in 2011. It has been a bit of a bumpy ride so far, but the 76-year-old Hall of Famer has the White Sox on top of the AL Central. Second on the list is almost assuredly the highest finish for La Russa, who also began his managerial career with the White Sox in 1979. The top spot belongs to Connie Mack with 3,731 victories. La Russa watched as Chicago won for the 10th time in 14 games. Dylan Cease (4-2) struck out 10 in seven sparkling innings, Liam Hendriks worked the ninth for his 15th save and Tim Anderson had two hits and two RBIs. José Ureña (2-5) allowed three runs and six hits in five innings. PHILLIES 12, NATIONALS 6 PHILADELPHIA... [More]