Castro won't pitch this weekend as Orioles conclude season

Orioles reliever Miguel Castro confirmed today that he won't get back on a mound during the final series and his season has drawn to a close.

Castro wanted to make the attempt despite some swelling in his right knee, but was advised to shut it down.

"Thankfully, the knee feels better," he said through interpreter Ramón Alarcón. "At the same time I don't think there's going to be any chance for me to pitch again this weekend. I tried, but the recommendation for me was to take it slow and rest."

The Orioles have recommended continued treatment and rest here and back in the Dominican Republic.

Castro reported to spring training this year with soreness in his lower back and knees. The right knee flared up again during the last road trip and he hasn't pitched since Sept. 22.

"I felt it on my last outing against the Yankees, so they shut me down for that," he said. "In Boston, I tried to pitch and it hurt again and I really couldn't do it."

"I feel thankful for the season that I had," he said. "I have to give thanks to God every day for every opportunity. Obviously, I feel bad for not being out there competing, helping my team. That's the main thing that I want to do. Sometimes, there are certain things that you control and other things that you cannot control, so I just have to accept it and move on."

Castro went 2-7 with a 3.96 ERA and 1.448 WHIP in 63 games, including one start, spanning 86 1/3 innings. He averaged 5.2 walks per nine innings, up from 3.8 in 2017, and the Orioles want him to concentrate on locating the plate.

"I thought it was excellent," he said. "For the most part this season I was available for the team, trying to help my team, trying to compete out there. There are certain things I cannot control, so it's not the best timing for me, but at the same time I feel thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help my team."

Manager Buck Showalter is waiting to announce his starter for Sunday. Again, it depends on his bullpen usage today.

Left-hander Sean Gilmartin is a candidate.

Catcher Chance Sisco was in the clubhouse today, but he's undergoing another concussion test to determine whether he can play this weekend.

Showalter was asked about the drop in attendance this season and replied, "if attendance is down that's our fault, not theirs."

For the Astros
George Springer CF
Carlos Correa SS
Josh Reddick RF
Marwin González 2B
Tyler White 1B
Evan Gattis DH
J.D. Davis 3B
Martin Maldonado C
Tony Kemp LF

Justin Verlander RHP