2 min read • April 07, 2022
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The Reds are expected to begin their campaign to rebound from a disappointing 2021 season without ace Luis Castillo.
Castillo, a 2019 All-Star, is dealing with right shoulder tightness that will send him to the IL when the season starts this Thursday. The 29-year-old is expected to return to Cincinnati by mid-to-late April.
The ProBaseballDocs are optimistic that the issue is simple soreness and not ligament damage and suspect that the issue was caused in part by the lockout-shortened spring training.
The Docs anticipated a rise in soft tissue injuries because of a lack of proper preparation time ahead of the season, a theory confirmed by Astros' starter Lance McCullers Jr.
In his five-year career Castillo, 29, has never missed a start or spent any time on the IL, but is now expected to miss Cincinnati's first few series.
The Reds, who went 83-79 last year and lost ace Sonny Gray and all-star outfielder Nick Castellanos in the offseason, will turn to right-hander Tyler Mahle as their Opening Day starter.
Mahle was 13-6 in 2021, posting a 3.75 ERA and 210 strikeouts in 180 innings.
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