Castro represents the lone position player shipped out to minor league camp in the latest batch of Phillies cuts. There are a handful of notable relief options sent packing here with Vespi, McMillion, Zuniga, Cuas and Kuhnel all likely to get chances in Philadelphia as middle relief depth. Aoyagi pitched well in three spring appearances after signing a minor-league contract with the Phillies. He’ll open the year back at Triple-A Lehigh Valley as extra depth.

Castro elected to explore the free agent market after he was sent outright to Triple-A Lehigh Valley back in early November but ultimately chose to return to the Phillies. The 25-year-old spent the entire 2024 season in the minor leagues where he slashed .221/.286/.351 with three homers, nine RBI and a 19/6 K/BB ratio over 84 plate appearances.

Castro suffered the injury back in late August and is recovering from season-ending surgery. The procedural move opens up a spot on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster for the club to claim reliever Jose Cuas off waivers from Toronto.

It’s notable since Castro remains on the Phillies’ 40-man roster, despite the fact he hasn’t appeared in a game this season for the club. He could wind up getting put on the 60-day injured list to free up a roster spot at some point in the coming days.