Bernie

Castro

Castro is a decent second base prospect, but with Mark Loretta ahead of him and Josh Barfield moving up quickly, the speedster isn’t in the Padres’ plans.

Castro was hurt after being assigned to minor league camp.

Castro began the year on the DL with a sprained right ankle.

He’ll likely be in the lineup again tomorrow. Castro is a pretty good pickup in AL-only leagues.

He also stole his third base since being called up. Castro isn’t getting starts against all righties, but the speed still makes him worth using in AL-only leagues.

Castro, 26, hit .315/.364/.382 with 41 steals in 47 attempts for Ottawa. He’ll back up Brian Roberts and act as a pinch-runner. He shouldn’t have any fantasy value.

Apparently, it’s Castro, not Young, who will get an actual opportunity. ''He did a great job down in Ottawa. He can walk, get on base, steal,’' Perlozzo said. ''We’ll package him up with Brian Roberts at the top and see if we can generate some havoc.’' OK. If the Orioles really thought Castro could help, why did they wait so long to give him a chance? Were they afraid David Newhan would go off on them if he was sent down again? AL-only leaguers in need of steals might want to take a chance on Castro.

Castro usually plays second base, but he has the speed to play the outfield. With Brian Roberts at second base for the O’s, he needs to add some versatility to be useful.

Castro is 11-for-37 with five stolen bases in 14 games this month. With Brian Roberts out, he’s now Baltimore’s top second baseman, giving him quite a bit of value in AL-only leagues.

Castro’s .288/.360/.350 line in 80 at-bats wasn’t enough to keep him on the Orioles’ 40-man roster over the winter. The club will likely attempt to re-sign him, but he should be a popular minor league free agent.