D-backs’ Welington Castillo continues hot spring slugging against Mariners
Mar 7, 2016, 6:50 PM | Updated: Mar 8, 2016, 6:42 am
Arizona Diamondbacks' Welington Castillo (7) celebrates with David Peralta (6) after Castillo hit a two-run home run during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Monday, March 7, 2016, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
PEORIA, Ariz. – Like he did after blasting the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first homer of the spring last Wednesday, catcher Welington Castillo swore his five-RBI, one-homer, two-double performance Monday wasn’t about feeling good at the plate.
Castillo promised he’s focused on his work behind it, but it was his bat – and the others in Arizona’s lineup – that helped the Diamondbacks beat the Seattle Mariners 10-8 at Peoria Sports Complex.
“I don’t worry about my hitting at all,” Castillo said, before admitting, “That’s not what it looks like.”
Not at all.
Maybe comfort is the key. It’s true that it’s the first time in a while he’s been the favorite to see regular playing time after a stint on the Mariners preceded by acting as backup to former Diamondback Miguel Montero in Chicago.
Castillo said he feels “at home” with this D-backs coaching staff and his expected role as the team’s starting catcher. After being acquired in the Mark Trumbo deal last season, he finished the year slashing.255/.317/.496, his most productive season since 2013.
“It’s a lot of guys that want my job,” Castillo said. “I just like to go out and compete, like hungry – hungry to play everyday, no matter what happens.”
Monday, Castillo drove in Phil Gosselin and David Peralta, who each reached with two outs in the top of the first inning and scored on their catcher’s two-RBI double to deep right field.
Castillo then crushed a two-run shot to left field in the third inning, beating a shift to the left side of the infield. His second double of the day knocked in another run during Arizona’s four-run fourth inning.
“I used to worry too much about hitting and lost my focus about my defense, when I was young in minor leagues,” Castillo said. “It’s not just because I had a really good year last year. I think that is my number one job. I got to keep my mind focused and my plan to help the pitcher and the team.”
Lead-off man Nick Ahmed (two hits, three RBI), third baseman Brandon Drury (two hits, two RBI) and Gosselin (three hits, two runs) joined Castillo among the hot hitters in Peoria.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariners Monday, March 7, 2016, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
ROUGH DAY ON THE MOUND
The D-backs’ 10 runs overshadowed a rough outing for both starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa and potential starter Archie Bradley.
De La Rosa was pulled after 2.0+ innings and 48 pitches, 30 of which were strikes. He allowed four hits, three earned runs and two walks but said he’s feeling good about his key focus this spring: fastball command.
Early on, De La Rosa was jumping ahead in the count and forcing ground outs, but he loaded the bases in the second inning before allowing a three-score single.
“He was throwing really good pitches,” Castillo added. “His fastball started running into the plate against the lefties (who) started to get him. I don’t worry about him.”
Prior to the game, D-backs manager Chip Hale said he believes De La Rosa’s success from last season was simply about how much work he handled: 188.2 innings to be exact.
That was enough to earn De La Rosa a starting rotation spot for this season.
“He’s worked really hard with (pitching coach) Mike Butcher, (bullpen coach) Garvin Alston on a few different things this year, on his mentality and the way he’s going to pitch that I think is really going to pay off this year even more than the progression last year,” Hale said. “Guys who pitch 200 innings in this league make a lot of money so they’re important guys to staffs, whether they’re 14-game winners or 10-game winners.”
After De La Rosa departed Monday, Bradley’s box score came out looking uglier than he wanted. He allowed seven hits and three earned runs in 2.2 innings, while striking out three.
Bradley said his secondary pitches were working for the most part and that he felt good, results aside.
“It’s kind of tough because I’m not fortunate enough to just be able to work on stuff. I’m competing for a spot,” Bradley said.
TOMAS SCRATCHED
Left fielder Yasmany Tomas earned a late scratch due to left knee soreness. He won’t play Tuesday as the team splits its squad.
Prospect Gabby Guerrero took Tomas’ place in the outfield.
