Although his production at the plate remains an open question, Starlin Castro contributed in a big way to the Cubs’ win last night.
After walking the first batter of the inning in a one-run game, closer Hector Rondon was in all kinds of trouble when youngster Dilson Herrera ripped a liner up the middle. It was about to be first and third with nobody out (and, given the hard grounder that came next, the game was going to be tied).
But Castro said no thanks:
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Given the situation and how quickly that ball got on him, that’s a very impressive catch by Castro. Even if he hadn’t been able to squeeze it, you figure he knocks it down and gets the runner at second. Just a great play all around.
It’s super early, but, so far, the advanced metrics say Castro is having an above-average defensive season, one of the better ones in his career. My eyes tell me he’s been fine, but not overwhelming. We’ll see how that goes as the year continues.
For last night, though, he came up huge.