Report: Houston Astros Interested in Right-Handed Starter Luis Castillo

The Houston Astros roster six-healthy starters, but according to a recent report, the club is expressing interest in another — Luis Castillo.

David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros currently work a six-man rotation with the rich depth they roster — even as Lance McCullers Jr. sits on the 60-day injured list. But what the Astros lacked into October 2021 was rotational depth.

The 40-man roster has taken a few hits with minor league depth as Forrest Whitley exited with right-bicep discomfort, Jonathan Bermudez hasn't pitched since June 22 with hip discomfort and Shawn Dubin is on the 7-day injured list in Triple-A, leaving only Brandon Bielak and Peter Solomon available for length.

Once McCullers is activated sometime in August, as anticipated, Houston will have seven quality starters if the roster remains the same as of Friday. The likelihood is slim as trade value stems from one of the team-controlled arms in Luis García, José Urquidy and Cristian Javier. 

But as all three have shown glimpses of postseason value — some more than others — the Astros can always upgrade from their current roster. Erik Boland of Newsday Sports reported Friday Houston is a team drawing interest in Cincinnati Reds' Luis Castillo.

Yankees, obviously, among the large group of teams w/ an interest in Luis Castillo. Also in that group: the Astros. A straw poll of rival evaluators elicited the same answer regarding if HOU has the system to pay the high price: “oh, absolutely.” Will be a fascinating sweepstakes

— Erik Boland (@eboland11) July 15, 2022

Boland added how rivals see the Astros as willing to spend on Castillo even though their farm system ranks near the worst in baseball. Castillo — who will be a free agent in 2024 — was selected to his second All-Star Game this season and has continued to draw trade rumors from contenders over the last three seasons.

Through 78 innings this season, the right-hander displays a 2.77 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and a 9.5 strikeout per nine innings. General manager James Click has spoken on his desire to not set the farm system back any further than it is, but for Castillo, a bidding war will break down by the trade deadline on Aug. 2.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

1. Houston Astros Lefty Mushinski Makes Fourth Rehab Appearance in Triple-A
2. Houston Astros Enter 2022 Draft With Fangraphs' 27th-Best Farm System
3. FOCO Releases Exclusive Houston Astros 'Bobbles On Parade' Bobblehead
4. Ohtani Carves Through Houston Astros' Offense, Javier Exits Early With 10 Strikeouts
5. Report: Houston Astros' Lance McCullers Two Simulated Innings From Next Rehab Step
6. Luis García Tosses Astros' 17th Consecutive Quality Start on the Road
7. Astros Expect to Have Outfielder Brantley Back After All-Star Break
8. Lefty Mushinski Finds Form in Third Rehab Outing
9. Yordan Álvarez Likely to Return From IL Following All-Star Break
10. Report: Houston Astros Pitching Prospect Whitley Suffered "Upper Bicep Inflammation"

---

 Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!