Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Posted: 5:35 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.Luis Castillo went hitless in four at-bats in his first game with the Phillies on Wednesday, but the second baseman still managed to make a positive impression on manager Charlie Manuel.
He lost 15 to 18 pounds, said Manuel, who hadnt seen Castillo since he was with the Mets last year. It looks like hes in way better shape. He says hes ready to play. Condition-wise, he looks good.
Castillo played seven innings at second base and handled a ground ball flawlessly in a 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay. At the plate, he grounded out twice and popped out once. In the third inning, he had a good at-bat with men on second and third base. He went down in the count, 1-and-2, fouled off two pitches then smoked a line drive to second base to end the threat.
He hit the ball hard with men on base, Manuel said.
The 5-foot-9 Castillo said he played at 200 pounds last season. He had trouble most of the season with his feet and has a history of knee problems. He is down to 188 this spring and says he feels quicker.
MLB
Castillo was released by the Mets last week. He signed a minor-league deal with the Phils on Sunday night. The Phillies are looking for a replacement for Chase Utley, who is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Castillo will get seven more games to show what he can do. If he doesnt win the job, Wilson Valdez will likely open the season at second base.
I feel good, the 35-year-old infielder said. I hope I get a chance to play tomorrow.
Even with Castillo in camp, the Phils continue to hold tryouts for the final spot on the bench. Josh Barfield, hitting .302, started in centerfield and went hitless Wednesday. Pete Orr was the designated hitter. He legged out a triple. Delwyn Young saw time in leftfield and had a single in his only at-bat.
Another candidate, Michael Martinez, continued to impress. He started at third base, made a nice play on a line drive and added two hits. Martinez is 28 but has never played in the majors. As a Rule 5 pick, he must make the opening day roster or be offered back to Washington.
Martinez can play three infield positions and centerfield. Phillies officials seem to like his defense and versatility. The question is: Will they carry a player without big-league experience?
Hes got talent and energy, Manuel said. Our expectations are to win. When youre expected to win, I want to carry the best possible players. Experience counts to a degree, but if I think a guy is the best player, Ill fight for him.
The final roster decisions will likely go down to the wire. The Phils have six more spring games.
Injury check
Catcher Carlos Ruiz did not play Wednesday. He was resting his left forearm after being hit by a pitch on Tuesday. Manuel said Ruiz was OK.
Manuel on Utley: I think hes slowly getting better. I want to believe hes going to get better.
Utley has chronic patellar tendinitis in his right knee. He has not played all spring and there is no timetable for his return.
Up next
Cole Hamels and Nick Blackburn are the pitchers as the Phils host the Twins in Clearwater on Thursday.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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