Rodolfo Castro Gets First Crack at Shortstop in Place of Cruz (+)

PITTSBURGH — In wake of the Oneil Cruz long-term injury, Rodolfo Castro is getting the first chance to fill in for his teammate at shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cruz is expected to miss four months after undergoing surgery to repair his fractured left ankle, an injury sustained in Sunday’s win over the Chicago White Sox.

Outside of Cruz, the Pirates don’t necessarily have a clear-cut shortstop on their roster, but Castro certainly has some familiarity with the position.

The past experience is one of the reasons that Pirates’ manager Derek Shelton is opting for Castro to receive the first looks at the position. Shelton believes Castro is capable.