Max Castillo will make his first start in the majors when he takes the hill for the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Mariners.
The right-handed rookie from Venezuela has made five appearances out of the bullpen this season with a 2.38 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 11.1 innings. He started the year with double-A New Hampshire and has split time as a starter and reliever with triple-A Buffalo.
Castillo, 23, was called up again from Buffalo this past Thursday, the same day starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a neck strain.
The Blue Jays were hoping to have Kevin Gausman back Sunday, but manager Charlie Montoyo said they’re now aiming for him to return Tuesday. Gausman sustained a bone bruise on his right ankle when he was hit by a line drive against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 2.
Toronto (45-40) has lost eight of its past nine games and is aiming to avoid a four-game sweep against Seattle. Watch live on Sportsnet or Sportsnet NOW starting at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.
