PHOENIX – Thursday brought roster news for the Diamondbacks, as they sent left-handed reliever Jose Castillo over in a trade to the New York Mets for cash considerations.
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Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jose Castillo throws in the bullpen during spring training practice at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Phoenix on Feb. 13, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This move comes after Jose Castillo was designated for assignment on Monday after the news that Jordan Lawlar was getting the call up to join the D-Backs roster. This trade also comes just a day after Castillo’s second consecutive appearance of giving up three earned runs. Castillo was shut down for all of his 2024 season after an ACL injury sidelined him until just this month. So far in the 2025 season, Castillo has a 0-1 record with an 11.37 ERA in 6.1 innings pitched.
Designated for assignment:
Castillo wasn’t the only bullpen pitcher on the move, as Arizona optioned left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply to Triple-A Reno on Thursday. You’d have to look back to early April to find a game where Mantiply entered the game without giving up a run. In his last six games, he has given up 14 runs in 6.1 innings pitched.
May 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks closing pitcher Joe Mantiply (35) prepares to throw against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Making their way back:
Arizona has faced multiple problems in its bullpen to start this season, but general manager Mike Hazen seems to be addressing the issues sooner rather than later. Justin Martinez is nearing his return as well from right shoulder inflammation, as well as right-handed reliever Kendall Graveman will be looking for more opportunities to right the ship for this bullpen. Graveman, who made his 2025 season debut just this past Tuesday, didn’t give up a hit in his first appearance.
May 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Kendall Graveman (49) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
If Arizona can go fix these lingering issues, not only would it help them in what will most likely be a close playoff race, it could propel them to become one of the most elite ball clubs in all of baseball.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
