Padres reliever Jose Castillo needs Tommy John surgery, Guerra sidelined as well
Feb 20, 2020; Peoria, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Jose Castillo poses for a portrait during media day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Padres got some unfortunate news about two of their promising young relievers on Thursday.
Jose Castillo entered 2021 full of hopes of a healthy season and a role in the Padres’ bullpen. He hasn’t pitched a full inning in a major league game since 2018.
Unfortunately, it looks like it will not happen in 2021 either. His, and Padres fans’ hopes for him have been dashed yet again this season. It was announced that he will reportedly need Tommy John surgery, which means his season is over right as it began.
José Castillo will have Tommy John surgery.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 4, 2021
Typically, the recovery time for this intense surgery is 12 to 15 months. He may struggle to be 100 percent by the time pitchers, and catchers report next season. This is another devastating turn in Castillo’s brief, promising career as a big-league lefty.
Castillo came on strong in his rookie campaign of 2018 at just 22 years old. In 37 games, he posted a 3.29 ERA and 118 ERA+. It’s fair to wonder if he will ever regain that form again. With a limited number of southpaw relievers, one might think this could re-kindle talks between A.J. Preller and the Brewers about two-time Trevor Hoffman N.L. Reliever of the Year Josh Hader’s services.
The UT’s Kevin Acee also reported that the shortstop-turned-reliever Javy Guerra would also be sidelined, but hopefully for not nearly as long, with a UCL sprain. There is a hope that Guerra could try to ramp it up again in a month or so, but given his lack of minor league options, he is behind the eight ball to be a part of the 2021 squad.
Additionally, it appears Javy Guerra will miss the beginning of the season as well.
He has a Grade 1 UCL sprain and is expected to be sidelined 2-4 weeks.
So Padres bullpen taking some hits.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 4, 2021
The Padres have prepared for attrition in the bullpen by acquiring multiple arms like Mark Melancon and Keone Kela. No one thought it would come this early on in the spring.
Native of Escondido, CA. Lived in San Diego area for 20 years. Padres fan since childhood (mid-90s). I have been writing since 2014. I currently live near Seattle, WA and am married to a Seattle sports girl. I wore #19 on my high school baseball team for Tony Gwynn. I am a stats and sports history nerd. I attended BYU on the Idaho campus. I also love Star Wars.