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Castro sent to Triple-A, added to rotation

Blue Jays want 20-year-old reliever to be on a regular schedule with Buffalo

TORONTO -- Rookie right-hander Miguel Castro will join the starting rotation in Triple-A Buffalo, but that doesn't mean he would be considered for a similar role in Toronto.

Castro began the year out of the bullpen, but he struggled during the first month of the season. The 20-year-old allowed six earned runs in 12 1/3 innings, and since April 13, he suffered a pair of losses and two blown saves.

The recent issues prompted a change in roles, as Castro went from the closer to someone who typically pitched when his team was trailing in the sixth or seventh inning. Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos believed that as a result of the changes, Castro would be better served pitching on a regular schedule with Buffalo.

"If he's going to be used in that sixth-inning role when we're down some runs ... probably better off to get him consistent work and just to get him going," Anthopoulos said of Castro, who was optioned to the Minors late Sunday night. "We're going to look to get all of these guys back up here, back in sync, back being sharp and they'll be back again."

Castro was a starter in the Minors prior to his promotion this spring. He'll return to that role, but it's going to be a gradual process, with his first outing likely being limited to two innings. He'll build up from there, but if he does return to the Blue Jays later this season, it likely would come out of the bullpen.

The point of having Castro start in the Minors is to provide an opportunity to work on things during side sessions between starts. He'll also be able to build up additional endurance while utilizing his slider and changeup on a regular basis, instead of relying mostly on his fastball.

"We haven't talked about that; it hasn't even been on our radar," Anthopoulos said, when asked if Castro would be considered to start in Toronto. "I wouldn't rule anything out, but it's more about getting him that consistent work, to work on everything just to get sharp again.

"Ultimately, we may not get him up to five innings. I'm not sure yet, but the thought was to get him to multiple innings. There's value to throwing sides, there's value to throwing multiple innings, to go through lineups, just to get sharp again."

Gregor Chisholm is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, North of the Border, and follow him on Twitter @gregorMLB.
Read More: Toronto Blue Jays, Miguel Castro