Castro in, Alford out in a flurry of roster moves
DETROIT — It took the Pirates right up to the wire to publicize their lineup for Game 1 of their doubleheader Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers.
When it was released, it was accompanied by an announcement that made the reason for the delay clear.
First, the Pirates claimed outfielder Ka’ai Tom off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. To make room on the 40-man roster for Tom, they designated outfielder Anthony Alford for assignment. However, because Tom must go through intake COVID-19 testing and is not officially on the active, 26-man roster, 21-yearold infielder Rodolfo Castro was recalled from the team’s alternate training site.
Castro made his MLB debut in the second game of the doubleheader even though he had never played above High Class A. Castro was actually told by his coach at the training site that he was joining the Pirates’ taxi squad for the rest of their road trip.
When he arrived at Comerica Park, manager Derek Shelton broke the good news to him. And even after an 0-for-3 night, Castro couldn’t stop smiling.
“An overwhelming amount of joy, even though it didn’t turn out, the results, the way that probably I would have liked,” Castro said. “But at the end of the day this has been a dream come true. That’s why I’m still so happy. I’ve enjoyed every second, every bit of it.”
This is likely still too early for Castro to be a productive major leaguer. He began to impress a bit at the end of spring training, hitting a home run in consecutive appearances, but he still finished the spring campaign slashing .136/.136/.455.
How long he lasts in the majors remains to be seen, but the memories made Wednesday are likely worth the trip.
As for Tom, he was selected by the Oakland Athletics in this offseason’s Rule 5 draft from the Cleveland Indians. In just nine games and 16 at-bats this season, he had one hit with six strikeouts. Tom had a good deal of success in the minors, though, most recently slashing .290/.380/.592 between Class AAA and Class AA in 2019. He also ripped 23 home runs and 86 RBIs in that season, both career highs.
Part of the attraction stems from Tom’s college days, when he was coached by current Pirates hitting coach Rick Eckstein at Kentucky.
Even though Tom is now a waiver claim for the Pirates, he is still subject to Rule 5 rules, meaning he must remain on the team’s active roster all season. If he is designated for assignment at any point and clears waivers, he must be offered back to Cleveland.
Tom makes for the third Rule 5 pick on the Pirates’ roster, joining right-handed pitchers Luis Oviedo and Jose Soriano, though Soriano is on the injured list recovering from Tommy John surgery.
“I’ve seen video of him,” Shelton said of Tom. “I have not seen him play in person. Looks like a guy that controls the zone. I think the one thing that’s going to be a benefit for us is Rick had him in college, so he has a little bit of benefit in terms of having a history with him. He’s a guy that we like the upside, and he’s going to get an opportunity.”
Alford was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays last season, but appeared in just five games before getting hurt. He made the opening day roster this season but never caught any traction with five hits in 36 atbats.
“In Alford’s case, still have work to do,” Shelton said. “Wonderful human being. We just needed the roster spot.”
Return delayed
Third baseman and top prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes was supposed to play in a rehab assignment with the alternate training site roster Tuesday in Toledo, Ohio, but the game was snowed out. He was supposed to do it Wednesday, then but again, their game was postponed. The alternate training site team remains on the road Thursday, though Shelton did not say if Hayes will try once again for a rehab start.