BREAKING NEWS: Luis Castillo steps in after Mariners key man give up due to serious injury

Seattle (AP) – On Sunday, Seattle starting pitcher Luis Castillo faced more than just the challenge of shutting down the Minnesota Twins from the mound.

Castillo had to step in as a hitter after Seattle catcher Mitch Garver was injured when a pitch struck his wrist, prompting a significant lineup shuffle for the Mariners.

With Cal Raleigh, Seattle’s other catcher, already serving as the designated hitter, the Mariners lost the DH role when Raleigh took over catching duties in the third inning. Consequently, Castillo was added to the lineup, making his first plate appearance since October 1, 2021, when he was with Cincinnati.

During his at-bat in the fourth inning, Castillo did not swing and struck out on three pitches. He became the first pitcher to bat at T-Mobile Park since Oakland’s Jason Hammel in 2014, and only the third Mariners pitcher to hit in a home game in franchise history.

Castillo is one of only two pitchers in baseball to have a plate appearance this season, joining Arizona’s Scott McGough, who struck out against the New York Yankees on April 3.

Garver was hit by a fastball from Minnesota’s Joe Ryan in the second inning, resulting in a right wrist contusion. He stayed in to run but was replaced by Raleigh in the next inning. Earlier in the season, the Mariners had three catchers, including Seby Zavala, but after his designation for assignment, only two catchers remained on the roster.