Tim Locastro was a Yankee once…in theory. Acquired from the Dodgers in November 2018 for RHP Drew Finley, Locastro was in the organization for all of two months before he was dealt to Arizona in January 2019, his ouster the result of the Yankees needing a roster spot for DJ LeMahieu.
Two and a half years later, Locastro is back and finally about to play in New York, on the Yankees’ active roster after being acquired back from Arizona on Thursday for Double-A RHP Keegan Curtis. He was added to the roster when Clint Frazier was placed on the IL, but regardless of the circumstances, Locastro can’t wait to get on the field.
“It’s something you literally dream about as a kid, and it became a reality,” he said of joining the Yankees. “I can’t wait to get started, I’m very excited, and I know I’m going to have 40 or 50 people here tonight! My family, fiancé, and aunt are in the family section, and a lot of other people scattered throughout the Stadium!”
Locastro was born in Syracuse and raised in upstate New York, attending Ithaca College, and grew up a Yankees fan idolizing Paul O’Neill and Luis Sojo, so he is ecstatic to be here in any role they need him in.
“This is absolutely surreal, and I know it’s cliché but it’s a dream come true,” Locastro said. “I’m ready for whatever role is put in front of me; my main goal is to help this team any way I can.”
Locastro was not having a great offensive season with the Diamondbacks, slashing .178/.271/.220 with one home run in 55 games, but he has played an excellent defensive center field and gives the Yankees a true backup to Brett Gardner there.
However, he was caught “completely off-guard” by the deal to New York, even though he knew Arizona was likely to be a seller ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
“I had no idea whatsoever, but I woke up at 9:45 in the morning to about 200 text messages and 20 missed calls,” Locastro said. “Next thing you know, I’m on a redeye to New York last night! Long day, but I’m very excited and ready to get going.”
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