Miguel Castro was put under fire with mixed results when he was traded to Queens and joined the Mets’ bullpen for the playoff race last September.
Now that he’s got some more time to breathe in his new uniform – and, perhaps even more importantly, he made some mechanical adjustments to improve his command while he’s at it – the Mets reliever in it. Feeling more comfortable to show results.
Castro made a promising start to spring training on Saturday night when he played another scorching innings of relief, his third Grapefruit League play as the Mets fell to 4-3 nationally at West Palm Beach.
“He is still very young (26) and his abilities are special,” manager Luis Rojas said. “Coming to us last year, this is another step in his career where he is learning. He is more mature, he is more experienced. I think he is slowing down a few things that make him better. Were needed for this. That is what he is doing right now in this camp. “
The Mets acquired the tough Castro from the Orioles at the trade deadline last year and the right-hander scored four earned runs in nine innings, releasing eight innings. He has allowed just one free pass in his three innings this spring, dismissing the pair.
If Castro can command his better in the regular season, he can give Roses another important hand to use in high-leverage situations.
“I feel a lot more comfortable, just being around people,” Castro said through an interpreter. “seeing [Edwin] Diaz, seeing [Jeurys] The way Familia has been pitching is motivating me to do the same right now. I am going there competing in the same way they are and we are doing what we need to do now. “
Castro said he is working with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner on his mechanics, which ensures that he stays on the ball to achieve the right release point in his delivery. The 6-foot-7 Dominican Republic native also spent time refining his changeup, giving him another weapon to go with a fastball and slider.
“This change is much better,” Rojas said. “Last year, he told me once or twice on the phone that he wants to work on everything, but especially being more leftist. So their change is in a good place right now. He threw a pair and they looked really good. Hence the command with the third pitch, which he can bring with the fastball-slider mix he usually showed last year.
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