3 years agoCincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo had an uneven 2021, finishing with an 8-16 record, 3.98 ERA (3.75 FIP, 3.63 xERA), 1.36 WHIP, and 192:75 K/BB ratio over 187 2/3 innings. He also posted a 23.9% Strikeout Rate and 9.3% Walk Rate, which were the second-lowest marks of his career. The less than stellar numbers can be attributed to an extremely poor start by the 29-year-old. Over his first 11 starts, he went 1-8 with a 7.22 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, and 48:23 K/BB ratio. He produced a 19% Strikeout Rate, allowed eight home runs, and logged just one quality start. He righted the ship over the next four months, however, compiling a 7-8 record, 2.73 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 144:52 K/BB ratio to go along with a 26% Strikeout Rate. He surrendered 11 home runs and notched 17 quality starts over his final 22 appearances as well. There were no significant decreases in his velocity (95th percentile on his fastball) and he limited barrels at an elite rate (93rd percentile). Historically, Castillo has been a slow starter, apart from his breakout 2019 campaign. He just happened to post the worst April and May of his career in 2021, which negatively inflated his numbers. While he's never been a low WHIP pitcher, he can generate enough strikeouts and soft contact (55.2% Groundball Rate) to get back on track in 2022. Unfortunately, Castillo was shut down back on March 22 with right shoulder soreness before he had a chance to throw in a Cactus League game. Prior to being shut down, he had an NFC ADP of 77 but that number has since dropped to 108. On the bright side, the shoulder issue is not believed to be serious. He will open the season on the injured list but he will be traveling with the Reds on their opening series against Atlanta, which indicates it may be a minimum stay for the hard-throwing righty.--Jon Mathisen - RotoBaller