DENVER -- The Rockies traded right-handed relief pitcher Miguel Castro to the Orioles on Friday for a player to be named or cash considerations.
Castro joined the Rockies in the trade that sent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays on July 28, 2015. But after battling shoulder injuries and inconsistency last year and a difficult Spring Training (0-1, 15.75 ERA, five walks in four innings), the 22-year-old was designated for assignment to make room for lefty pitcher Kyle Freeland, who made his Major League debut in a start Friday against the Dodgers.
When healthy, Castro can throw a four-seam and two-seam fastball in the 95-97 mph range. Castro, who is in his final year of Minor League options, was a candidate to make the Rockies' squad before this spring, but he could not right himself once flaws crept into his delivery during an outing.
Castro began 2015 as the Blue Jays' closer, and he went 0-2 with a 4.38 ERA and four saves in 13 games. He spent time in the Minors before being sent to the Rockies, for whom he finished the year with five relief appearances (0-1, 10.13 ERA).
Last year, Castro yielded just one run in six April appearances before being placed on the 15-day disabled list April 22 with right shoulder inflammation. He bounced between the Majors and Triple-A Albuquerque for the rest of the year, and he had problems being available for an extended period or throwing consistent strikes.