PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates infielder Rodolfo Castro has three hits in his Major League career, all homers. Called up due to recent injuries, Castro is making a case to replace Adam Frazier after he is traded.
"I felt amazing," Castro said after his two-homer game at the Mets. "This is a huge dream come true. To see the dream flourish even more and get even deeper. I feel amazing."
Castro got a one game taste against Detroit in April going 0 for 3 and then was sent not to Triple A, but Double A. His Altoona manager said he didn't blink. Had a positive mindset and told 93.7 The Fan 'he was a Major Leaguer at AA'.
So far he is proving the stage is not too big for him.
"I try to see the game as a regular game," Castro said. "I try not to make the game bigger than what it is. Then I would find myself trying to overdo things. I know that when I try to overdo things, I lose myself. In order to keep myself where I'm at, I try to picture the game as a regular game. I'm so grateful the results have come out the way they did."
Overall Castro is hitting .231 in 13 at bats with the 3 home runs and 4 RBI with a pair of walks and 4 strikeouts. He really came alive in his second month with the Curve, hitting .365 with 8 home runs, 7 doubles, 28 RBI and even 4 steals in June.
He enthusiastic. His teammates love him. He even called a game-winning homer in a game last month.
"Every time I go up to the plate, I have one mindset," Castro said. "That is to find the right pitch, find a good pitch to square up and hit well. I know I'm here in the big leagues and I'm going up against some really good pitchers in some tough situations. I think what is giving me a lot of success is that every time I go to the plate I stick to my plan and my mindset of looking for a good pitch."
"Golly, can't say enough about Castro coming up from AA," said Pirates first baseman John Nogowski. "The quality at bats that he's having off some damn good pitchers. Just fit right in. Really, really impressed with him."
Castro said he's been 'mind blown' by his success. He's excited with how things are unfolding and his role in helping the team win.
"He's having fun and that's what we want him to do," said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. "We want him to have fun. The moment didn't get too big for him."
How many more moments is not only determined by his play, but by the injury situation and when they trade Frazier. Until then Castro continues to live the dream.
