Emotions in check, Castro impresses in big-league debut
DENVER — Kervin Castro is only 22, but he appeared as calm as a 10-year veteran in his big-league debut Tuesday against the Rockies. Manager Gabe Kapler noted that Castro was even quick to check to see if the signs changed with a runner on, so little was he caught up in the moment.
“That was a dream since I was a kid, especially being out there with Buster Posey, who is very experienced and having the kind of year he’s had,” Castro said Wednesday, with coach Nick Ortiz interpreting. “I was able to control my emotions out on the mound, so that was big for me — and I was very excited.”
Castro was a catcher in his youth, switching to pitching full-time only when he was 15, and he thinks his time behind the plate helps him on the mound.
“It’s something that helps me a lot because I’m able to follow the game and kind of beat the hitters, just have that mind-set that you have as a catcher,” he said.
With his wife, Aileen, and best friend in the crowd, Castro worked two innings and allowed
two hits and struck out one at hitter-friendly Coors Field. “Good arm, good delivery and stuff,” said one NL scout who was at the ballpark.
Castro’s ability to work multiple innings means he could see more action upcoming, with the Giants looking at bullpen games Friday at Chicago and probably again Sunday.
“It was his majorleague debut, it’s not easy to stay composed,” Kapler said, “It takes a lot of mental strength and toughness . ... I trust that he’s going to be able to build off those things.”