Report: Houston Astros Interested in Right-Handed Starter Luis Castillo

The Houston Astros currently work a six-man rotation with the rich depth they roster — even as Lance McCullers Jr. sits on the 60-day injured list. But what the Astros lacked into October 2021 was rotational depth.

The 40-man roster has taken a few hits with minor league depth as Forrest Whitley exited with right-bicep discomfort, Jonathan Bermudez hasn't pitched since June 22 with hip discomfort and Shawn Dubin is on the 7-day injured list in Triple-A, leaving only Brandon Bielak and Peter Solomon available for length.

Once McCullers is activated sometime in August, as anticipated, Houston will have seven quality starters if the roster remains the same as of Friday. The likelihood is slim as trade value stems from one of the team-controlled arms in Luis García, José Urquidy and Cristian Javier. 

But as all three have shown glimpses of postseason value — some more than others — the Astros can always upgrade from their current roster. Erik Boland of Newsday Sports reported Friday Houston is a team drawing interest in Cincinnati Reds' Luis Castillo.

Boland added how rivals see the Astros as willing to spend on Castillo even though their farm system ranks near the worst in baseball. Castillo — who will be a free agent in 2024 — was selected to his second All-Star Game this season and has continued to draw trade rumors from contenders over the last three seasons.

Through 78 innings this season, the right-hander displays a 2.77 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and a 9.5 strikeout per nine innings. General manager James Click has spoken on his desire to not set the farm system back any further than it is, but for Castillo, a bidding war will break down by the trade deadline on Aug. 2.

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