White Sox cannot rely on Luis Castillo with a game in doubt for rest of the season

Luis Castillo allowed three earned runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts in 2.2 innings on Saturday night in the Chicago White Sox's 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Castillo also allowed a runner to score that he inherited from Sean Newcombe, who pitched 1.1 innings as the opener.

Castillo should only appear in games with decisive margins for the rest of the regular season. If the White Sox hold on to their playoff spot, Castillo should not be on the postseason roster. The White Sox acquired Castillo from the Seattle Mariners in August.   

Castillo has a 7.76 earned run average in 29 innings, allowing 41 hits, 11 walks, 26 runs, 25 earned runs and 25 strikeouts in seven games with six starts for the White Sox. Other than shutting out Cincinnati in seven innings on Aug. 12, Castillo has allowed at least three runs in every White Sox appearance.

The White Sox acquired Castillo for reliever Seranthony Dominquez and minor leaguers Nolan Jones and Brandon Smith at the trade deadline. Trading Dominguez rid the White Sox of a two-year, $20 million contract he signed in January. Castillo was acquired as a veteran pitcher with postseason experience.