The Marlins have sent left-hander Daniel Castano outright to Triple-A Jacksonville, as reflected on the MLB.com transaction log. Since Miami hadn’t previously designated him for assignment, the move drops the club’s 40-man roster count to 39.
It’s the second time this year in which the Fish have run Castano through waivers. Miami DFA him in mid-January after finalizing their free agent deal with Johnny Cueto. He started the season as a non-roster player in Jacksonville but was selected onto the big league club when Cueto landed on the injured list a few days into the year. He made one relief appearance, was optioned back out, and then landed on the minor league IL himself.
Castano spent a couple months on the shelf with an undisclosed injury. He’s throwing again, beginning a rehab stint in rookie ball. Injured players can’t be placed on outright waivers, but Castano’s return to health allowed Miami to do so this week. He again went unclaimed, though it’s possible he’ll now head to the open market. Players who have been outrighted multiple times in their careers can decline the assignment in favor of minor league free agency.
It’s unclear whether Castano will stick with Miami. The Baylor product has been in the organization since he was acquired from the Cardinals alongside Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen and Magneuris Sierra for Marcell Ozuna. This year’s lone appearance marked the fourth straight season in which he’s suited up for the Fish at the big league level. He’s logged 86 2/3 innings of 4.15 ERA ball, striking out a well below-average 12.4% of opposing hitters. Castano has a 3.95 ERA while punching of 20.1% of batters faced in parts of three Triple-A seasons.
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