Miguel Castro officially released; Cristian Mena sent to 7-day IL

After being designated for assignment on Tuesday, June 30th, Miguel Castro has officially been released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to their transaction page.

Castro was initially DFA’d to make room for right-hander Dylan Floro on the 40-man roster. Floro was traded to Arizona from Washington just an hour before the trade deadline.

Castro spent most of the season on the injured list, a stark contrast to 2023 when he led the National League with 84 appearances. This year, in the 13.2 innings he did pitch, he allowed nine earned runs. In consecutive appearances against the Royals and Nationals, Castro gave up two runs each time. Given these struggles and the additions of A.J. Puk and Dylan Floro at the trade deadline, the Diamondbacks decided to part ways with Castro.

The Diamondbacks also provided an update on right-hander Cristian Mena, who made his major league debut on July 3rd, allowing four runs in three innings. According to farm director Shaun Lankin, Mena will not pitch for eight weeks and is likely out for the season with a right forearm strain.

In Triple-A this season, the 21-year-old has posted a 4.61 ERA. While he has struck out 102 batters in 45.2 innings, the hard-throwing righty has struggled with control, issuing 45 walks in that span. Mena, ranked as the Diamondbacks’ No. 12 prospect by Baseball America, was acquired in the trade that sent Dominic Fletcher to the White Sox.

Stay tuned for further updates.