Seattle Mariners pitchers Castillo, Kirby savoring All-Star Game in Seattle
Since coming to Seattle via trade last season, Luis Castillo has relished spotlight opportunities. He dazzled in his home debut at T-Mobile Park last August, allowing just three hits against the New York Yankees.
He dominated down the stretch for the Mariners and was an integral part of Seattle’s playoff-drought ending 2022 team. When the lights were brightest, the seemingly nerve-immune Castillo was at his best.
On Tuesday at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, he’ll likely have another opportunity to dominate in front of a packed T-Mobile Park, with tens of thousands of fans in attendance and millions more watching on television.
While the All-Star Game is an exhibition, Castillo said he’ll treat it like any other game, even if his turn will be an inning at most.
“I treat it like any other game,” Castillo said through an interpreter hours before Monday’s Home Run Derby in Seattle. “We’re out there to compete. Go on the mound, even if it’s the All-Star, I’m out there to compete.”
Seattle manager Scott Servais, part of the American League coaching staff for Tuesday’s game, expects a dialed-in Castillo if his number is called.
“I don’t think any moment gets too big for Luis,” Servais said. “He doesn’t let it get too big. He’s done an unbelievable job since we acquired him. He was great for us in big moments last year, throughout the playoffs.
“I think Luis has always been a second-half pitcher and I’m looking forward to his second half. If he pitches in the game tomorrow, if it’s one inning, get him in, get him out and then we’ll look forward to the second half.”
Castillo was the lone Seattle representative initially named to the American League All-Star roster this season, before outfielder Julio Rodriguez and rotation-mate George Kirby were added to the roster as replacements. Castillo has posted a 2.85 earned run average this season in 18 starts. Tuesday’s game will be Castillo’s third All-Star nod.
Kirby, meanwhile, is playing in his first MLB All-Star Game. It just so happens to be in his home park. The 25-year-old has posted a 3.09 ERA in 17 starts this season.
“Super special,” Kirby said. “I didn’t think I’d be here, to be honest. Really glad I’m here and get to share the moment with family and friends, meet all these people here. Just really happy.”
If there’s a reason for optimism after an underwhelming first half, it lies in the Mariners’ pitching staff, led by Castillo, Kirby and Logan Gilbert. Two of the three will be soaking it all in the next couple days in Seattle, relishing the chance to play an All-Star Game in front of their home crowd.
“I think the most emotional thing for me is it’s our ballpark and our fans,” Castillo said. “Our fans are going to bring it here. I think we’re going to see it with the fans.”
This story was originally published July 10, 2023 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Seattle Mariners pitchers Castillo, Kirby savoring All-Star Game in Seattle."
