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Extra bases

• Castro may have only played three Cactus League games, but that was enough to convince Renteria to insert the shortstop into the No. 3 spot in the Opening Day lineup.

"Wherever he puts me, I'll try to do my job," said Castro, who missed time because of a right hamstring strain he suffered on March 2.

Renteria wanted speed at the top of the lineup and went with Emilio Bonifacio and Junior Lake ahead of Castro, who also could lead off in games.

"I think I have some flexibility with the guys," Renteria said.

Justin Ruggiano did not start Monday against Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano because of a tender left ankle.

"He had a sore ankle at the end of spring, and we're just trying to make sure we give him one more day and then we have a day off [Tuesday], and he'll be ready to go the following day," Renteria said.

Top prospects Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler will open the season at Double-A Tennessee. Soler, however, will be slowed because of a sore hamstring. Arodys Vizcaino, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, was assigned to Class A Advanced Daytona to take advantage of the warm weather. Vizcaino will be on a structured program for the first month.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat.
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