FORT MYERS, Florida — Eiberson Castellano thought there was maybe a 50% chance he would be selected in the Rule 5 Draft this December.
He was coming off a season in which he posted a 3.99 earned-run average across 103 2/3 innings pitched between High-A and Double-A. He struck out 136 in 22 games (20 starts) and was named the Philadelphia Phillies’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year for his efforts.
But also, he had limited experience in the high minors and being selected in the Rule 5 Draft would thrust him right into major league action. The team drafting team must keep a player in the major leagues all season to retain his rights, so more often than not, teams pass on making a Rule 5 selection.
“I knew there were uncertainties there, but I’m happy that the Twins picked me and now I’m here and ready to give it my all,” he said through team interpreter Mauricio Ortiz.
Castellano, 23, is in a unique position where, after not even reaching Triple-A with the Phillies, he’s in major league camp fighting for a spot in the Twins’ bullpen. The competition is stiff with much of the bullpen seemingly already set, but he’s trying to do his best to show the Twins his abilities.
If Castellano does stick for a season in the majors — most likely in a long relief role — then the Twins could send him back to the minors and let him continue to develop as a starter next year. If not, he will be placed on waivers and if unclaimed, offered back to the Phillies.
It’s a unique position to be in, all while Castellano, who has made just eight appearances at Double-A, is still trying to navigate a new team and environment.
“We think Eiberson has real potential and he’s here for a reason,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “The message … it’s really just to relax and to show us what you can do. And I wouldn’t say that’s probably the easiest thing to do for a young man who knows there’s a nice opportunity in front of him, but it’s really the only way to do it.”
Shortly after the Twins made the selection, Castellano received a message from Pablo López welcoming him to the organization. The two pitchers hail from Venezuelan cities about an hour apart from each other and López said he wanted to do anything he could in his power to make Castellano’s transition a little bit easier.
His guidance didn’t stop with an offseason phone call. A few days ago, Castellano told López he was throwing live batting practice on a backfield. López showed up to watch. The Twins’ ace also prepared him a towel just like the one he uses in drills to work on his mechanics and has been pointing out mechanical cues that have worked for him in the past and offering other advice.
“When you’re someone that has a lot of expectations (coming) into camp, you can put a lot of pressure on yourself and I’ve done that,” López said. “A lot of the conversations we’ve had are more like feeling comfortable being yourself out there, letting your natural abilities take over.”
And while this is an entirely new experience for Castellano, it’s also rare territory for the Twins, too, who have not made a selection in the major league phase of the Rule 5 Draft since 2017.
“It’s really different,” Castellano said. “It’s something new for me. I’m competing with high-tier athletes, but I know I’m also one of them and that’s all I’m going to do, compete for a spot.”
Twins test out ABS Challenge system
Ahead of spring training games getting underway, the Twins tested out the automated-ball strike challenge system during live batting practice for the first time on Thursday. While it’s been in use in the minor leagues over the past couple years, MLB is testing this out this spring for potential use in the majors in the future.
The early returns seem positive.
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Players were encouraged to challenge pitches, which were called by umpire of the day Michael Cuddyer, and the results drew cheers and groans from the collected group of Twins standing behind the plate.
Each team will receive two challenges apiece during spring training games (not all games will feature the challenge system) and batters, pitchers and catchers can challenge an umpire’s ball/strike call. Hawk-Eye technology will run on the scoreboard, exhibiting the location of the pitch and a quick determination will be made and displayed to the crowd.
“With our guys, at least, it was a hit,” Baldelli said. “They’re competitive and you could sense the enthusiasm as they got a chance to play around with it and have some fun with each other on the field.”
Briefly
The Twins will have one more day of workouts before they kick off game action at Hammond Stadium against the Atlanta Braves.
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