Luis Castillo struggled in both the starting rotation and bullpen, and the White Sox finally have an opportunity to move forward without him.
Prior to the series finale against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, the Chicago White Sox made a roster move that felt inevitable and smart at the same time, but was still an undeniably frustrating reality.
Right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo was placed on the injured list with what the team classified as a right shoulder impingement. Tyler Davis was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to rejoin the White Sox.
Castillo landing on the IL could certainly be a classic "phantom IL" situation for the White Sox. They clearly don't see a role for him on this team right now, but they're paying him too much money to cut him loose entirely. Castillo is still under contract with the White Sox in 2027, when he'll make $24 million regardless.
The White Sox tried to give Castillo an opportunity in the bullpen after making the decision to remove him from the starting rotation in favor of David Sandlin. But on Tuesday in Kansas City, he turned a blowout victory into a nerve-racking 14-11 finish, allowing four earned runs over just one inning.
It didn't work in the starting rotation. It wasn't working in the bullpen, and it was becoming painfully obvious that Castillo would be detrimental to the White Sox in whatever role he played.
His 8.42 ERA in a White Sox uniform is inexcusable. It's nowhere near serviceable. And While Chicago saw value in acquiring Castillo due to his playoff experience and track record, we've now reach a point where the White Sox can't justify having Castillo on the postseason roster.
Tyler Davis is far more deserving of the opportunity. He's been really productive for the White Sox lately, not allowing an earned run in his last eight appearances before Thursday. After another scoreless inning against the Royals, he lowered his season ERA to 3.41.
The White Sox clinched a playoff berth with Thursday's win, and now all the attention turns toward winning the AL Central over the final weekend and making a legitimate postseason run.
Castillo isn't going to help the White Sox in that regard. And this week, they got the perfect excuse to move on from a trade deadline acquisition they probably already have buyer's remorse over.
You can revisit making changes with Castillo and trying to revive his career in the offseason. For the time being, though, he's most valuable to the White Sox traveling with the team while sitting on the IL.
