During his weekly segment on the Spiegel & Goff Show (670 The Score), Joe Maddon said that Starlin Castro was coming in early Tuesday to start taking groundballs at second base. Castro will also work out at third base in order to give the Cubs more versatility for the remainder of the season.
From all indications, the Cubs are committed to Addison Russell as the team’s everyday shortstop moving forward.
Joe Maddon has supported Starlin Castro throughout the season and really backed him publicly when Castro’s season went the wrong direction in May. Maddon explained Tuesday on the Spiegel & Goff Show that he feels he has a great relationship with him. Maddon was upfront with Castro about the changes. Maddon said he could not be happier about the way he has handled everything.
“He’s coming out today to get some work at second base,” Maddon said. “We are going to get him some work at third base also. I’ve got to try to get him into this lineup. We are not seeing any lefties until, I think the weekend in Chicago against the White Sox. So in the meantime you are going to see him at some point in these games. I have a lot of confidence in this guy. We’re going to keep getting him better.”
Maddon explained Castro has played second base in the past and will still see some time at shortstop.
Starlin Castro has been open-minded about everything according to Maddon despite the fact that he is extremely disappointed. Castro wants what is best for the team right now. Maddon is convinced Castro is going to help this team win games before the season is over.
Joe Maddon thinks Castro has been trying too hard and putting way too much pressure on himself. Maddon believes the break Castro is receiving will help reboot his system. Maddon pointed out it is up to him and the coaching staff to get Castro back on track.
Starlin Castro has played 844 games in the big leagues, 838 at shortstop. Castro has not played an inning at a position other than short in his Major League career.
As a 17-year old, Castro played two games in the outfield, one in right and one in center. Castro also saw playing time in the Dominican Summer League at third base (two games), first base (one game) and second base (seven games) during the 2007 season. The next year, Castro played five games at third base and 20 games at second.
The last time Starlin Castro played a position other than shortstop was during the Arizona Fall League in 2009. Castro played seven games at second base for the Mesa Solar Sox.
Joe Maddon did not say when Starlin Castro will return to the Cubs’ starting lineup.
• Starlin Castro’s Page on Baseball-Reference