While reports last week had Rusney Castillo’s status being a bit murky heading toward Opening Day with an oblique injury, Pete Abraham (Boston Globe) reported today that he was “taking high intensity swings” today prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
#RedSox OF Rusney Castillo, out since 3-3 (left oblique) was taking high-intensity swings at soft toss in the cage this morning.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) March 15, 2015
This is good news for Castillo and the Red Sox as they attempt to put the best team they possibly can on the field. The Red Sox need to do some serious evaluating on their investment as most beat writers are predicting that Castillo will find himself in Pawtucket to begin the season allowing Shane Victorino, Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez to get a majority of the play in the outfield.
Mookie has been catching fire as of late, and while the Red Sox might be showcasing Victorino in the hopes of moving him at some point this year, John Farrell and Red Sox management truly believe that he gives them the best chance to win at the moment. Castillo could end up being a major factor, but history tells us that Boston is willing to be patient and let these types of situations work themselves out.
While Rusney may be pushing to get back in order to get his name in the shuffle, I don’t think Boston would allow him to do anything to put his health at risk going forward. Therefore, these “high intensity swings” are very good news. Red Sox Nation is curious to see what this Cuban phenom can bring to the table and we may be closer to finding that out.