Luis Castillo Released By Phillies Following Spring Training Trial

Not two weeks ago, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Luis Castillo after he was dropped by the Mets. Castillo was coming in on a minor league contract, but he was thought to be the favorite to fill in at second base for however long Chase Utley is out with his injury.

But now? Forget it. According to Jim Salisbury, the Phillies have released Castillo after he played in seven Spring Training games. Castillo went 6-22 for the Phillies in Spring Training and 14-50 overall, but it wasn't enough as the team has opted to go in a different direction.

What direction might that be? The odds-on favorite to start at second base is utility infielder Wilson Valdez, who wound up getting significant playing time a year ago. The Phillies also just signed Kevin Frandsen to a minor league contract, and he's an infielder with versatility and a little promise in his bat, and they have Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez hanging around. The Castillo decision? Surprising. But the significance of the Castillo decision? Pretty minimal. The Phillies really just need Utley back, and there's no substitute for his level of talent.