Red Sox injury update: Rusney Castillo to return soon

Rusney Castillo took a bit longer to heal than expected, but the promising Cuban outfielder is scheduled to report back to Pawtucket by midweek according to multiple sources. Castillo will initially be a DH and then move to his customary outfield spot.

The 27-year-old Castillo signed a 72.5M contract last year and has shown glimpses of what he is capable of accomplishing on the field. In 2014 his brief 10 games Boston sojourn slashed .333/.400/.528 with three steals, two home runs and six RBI.

Castillo continued to impress in the Arizona Fall League, winter league and finally at Pawtucket this season where he was hitting .417 after three games – then he injured his shoulder.

Castillo has the potential to be a five tool player and with a crowded outfield was shipped to Pawtucket with the intent of getting some daily work and eventually moving up to Boston. His shoulder injury put that on hold. Now he is apparently ready to return.

Castillo will be watched closely as an examination of the collective offensive capabilities of the Red Sox outfield continues to be drifting towards the bottom of the statistical charts. The Red Sox outfield is currently 12th in average, wOBA, ISO, and slugging. The all-important OBP checks in at 10th place and the one redeeming feature is the Sox are second in outfield RBI.

Shane Victorino and Allen Craig are approaching a marathon distance to get to the Mendoza Line. Even Mookie Betts, who accomplishes so much, is lingering around .200. The Red Sox need an infusion in the outfield and a healthy Castillo just may be the medicine the outfield needs.

If Castillo puts in a healthy and productive ten games and Victorino and Craig continue to flounder you may see Castillo force the hand of management and patrol right field for the remainder of the season.

***Statistics from fangraphs through 4/24

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