Royals Option Rookie Starter

The Kansas City Royals are sending him back down to the minors again.

The club has optioned starter Max Castillo to Triple-A Omaha. 

With the return of Zack Greinke to the rotation, there was just not a spot on the roster for Castillo anymore. He last pitched in a start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, allowing two earned runs, five hits, one walk and five strikeouts over 4.2 innings. 

Max Castillo, Nasty 87mph Changeup...and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/CHty2fGTY2

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 4, 2022

Castillo has posted a strong 2.97 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts over 30 innings pitched in his major league debut this season. In 11 games, he's made four starts. 

In the minors this season, the twenty-three-year-old has registered a 3.43 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts over 39 innings. He's appeared in nine games, starting six of them. 

Photo Credit:  Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Max Castillo was acquired by the Royals from the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline in the deal that saw Whit Merrifield go to Toronto. 

Photo Credit:  Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports