Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo selected to play in second MLB All-Star Game

When Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo was named to the All-Star team in 2019, it was one of the first times he had accomplished one of his big goals for his MLB career.

At the time, Castillo was only in his second full season in MLB. Since he earned that recognition in 2019, Castillo has become the Reds’ ace, pitched in the playoffs and grown into a different role as the longest-tenured Reds’ pitcher.

On Sunday, Castillo learned that he was heading to the 2022 All-Star Game. Now a six-year veteran, the honor carried a different type of meaning.

“I’m glad that I’ve been a part of this team for a long time, thanks to this sir right here,” Castillo said via interpreter Jorge Merlos. Castillo acknowledged Reds owner Bob Castellini, who was sitting in the interview room.

“I think the fact that we’ve been battling to get back here and to be with this team as much as possible, that’s what matters.”

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Castillo, the Reds’ lone All-Star who was announced on Sunday, was recognized through the player vote across MLB. After missing the first month of the season with a shoulder injury, he has a 2.92 ERA.

In MLB this year, there are only nine pitchers in MLB with 12 starts, an ERA at 2.92 or better and at least 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Castillo is one of them, but he said he was still surprised to see that he made the team for the All-Star Game on July 19 in Los Angeles.

“I don't even believe it yet,” Castillo said. “I’m trying to take it all in right now. I know there are several other players having a fantastic year as well. It’s an honor for me to get back to the All-Star Game.”

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On Sunday, Reds manager David Bell called a team meeting to tell the group who would be heading to the All-Star Game. At the start, Bell said it was a pitcher, a great teammate and someone who was “loved” around the clubhouse.

Then, for the second time in four years, Bell told Castillo he was heading to the All-Star Game.

“What stands out is how Luis has taken his pitching to a whole new level,” Bell said. “A new level of focus, a new level of being great. He’s one of if not the best pitcher in all of baseball.”

On January 19, 2017, the Reds traded veteran starting pitcher Dan Straily to the Miami Marlins for an unheralded prospect in Castillo, who had already been traded twice in his career. Castillo was known for his changeup, but his fastball was inconsistent and his slider wasn’t a factor like it is now.

Castillo has become one of the Reds’ best development stories, evolving into an ace and a cornerstone of the Reds’ playoff team in 2020. He has started two Opening Day games and gave the Reds some of their most important starts of the season when they were fighting for a playoff spot in 2021.

The Reds are now building around a new generation of pitching prospects, including Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. The goal is for those pitchers to have careers that look like Castillo’s.

“He has done it for a long time,” Bell said. “He has been around the league, the league knows what they’re going up against every time they face him. For us, as an organization, as a team, as a clubhouse, we’ve known for a while. We know he’s one of the best pitchers in the game, if not the best. He’s an even better person, a better teammate.”

After his last few starts, Castillo has acknowledged the unique challenge of this season. He’s under contract through 2023, and the Reds still appear to be several pieces away from building a contender.

MLB scouts are preparing for Castillo to be available at the trade deadline, and the 29-year-old understands his position as one of the best players who could be on the trade market.

"I see the rumors every day, the teams that are interested in me," Castillo said in June. "I put that out of my mind. I’m still trying to go out there and give it my best. I have all of the confidence in God that he’s going to give me the opportunity to play wherever we need to be. If it’s here, it’s here. I know that I can contribute in any way I can on whatever team I’m on."

Castillo’s status as an All-Star shouldn’t have an impact on his availability at the deadline. Since former Reds ace Johnny Cueto was traded in 2015, MLB moved back the draft to the week of the All-Star Game. With front offices focusing on the MLB Draft for the next two weeks, trade conversations aren’t expected to pick back up until the draft is completed. Last July, there wasn't a single notable major league trade before the

After pitching through a tough season, Castillo said it has been “emotional” to be recognized as one of the best pitchers in MLB.

“It feels like you’ve achieved something greater,” Castillo said. “Every player wants to become an All-Star. For the battles we’ve gone through this year, it’s been very emotional. I’m happy to be a part of it.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Luis Castillo selected to 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game