The Cubs forfeited their first pick (fourth overall) in next week’s Rule 5 Draft to the Phillies in order to settle a grievance about the amount of time Lendy Castillo spent on the disabled list during the 2012 season.
The Cubs selected the right-handed pitcher in the Rule 5 Draft in December of 2011 from the Phillies. Lendy Castillo broke camp on the Cubs’ active roster that spring and by rule, the Cubs had to keep Castillo on the active roster the entire season or offer him back to the Phillies.
Castillo was placed on the 15-day DL on May 12, 2012 with a reported left groin strain. Castillo pitched in the minors, rehabbing what was thought at the time “an injury.” Castillo’s roster status was officially changed on August 11.
It is not uncommon for teams to place Rule 5 Draft picks on the disabled list with “injuries” in order to stash them in the system and not offer the player back to his original organization. The Phillies apparently did not agree with the Cubs’ practice on this occasion and called them on it.
Lendy Castillo is still in the Cubs’ organization and just pitched in the Arizona Fall League. Keeping Castillo at the time was a questionable, at best, move and their decision cost a pick in the draft next week.
Reports have indicated the Cubs were unlikely to make a pick in the draft.
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