Diego Castillo is back, and the Jeter (Downs) era is over.
The Yankees announced Friday that they have claimed utility man Diego Castillo off waivers from the New York Mets, and as the 40-man roster was full, designated infielder Jeter Downs for assignment to make room.
Castillo, 26, was originally an international free agent signing of the Yankees in July 2014, and was part of the trade with Pittsburgh in July 2021 that brought Clay Holmes to the Bronx.
The Venezuela native made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2022, slashing .206/.251/.382 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI in 96 games while playing all four infield positions and right field.
Castillo was dealt to Arizona in Dec. 2022 and made just one MLB appearance for the D-Backs, but hit .313 with three homers, 33 doubles, 72 RBI, 94 runs, and 97 walks in 124 games at Triple-A Reno while playing second, short, third, and left.
Arizona DFA’ed him on Dec. 21 and the Mets claimed him on Jan. 5, but DFA’ed him on Jan. 12 to open a roster spot when Sean Manaea’s signing was made official.
Castillo has less than a year of MLB service time, meaning the Yankees could have six years of control, and he has one minor-league option remaining.