Reds Share Luis Castillo Injury Update Ahead of Opening Day

The Cincinnati Reds will open the 2022 MLB season with a road series against the Atlanta Braves beginning Thursday, April 7. Unfortunately, they'll have to start the year without their ace, Luis Castillo.

Castillo has been battling shoulder soreness for the last few weeks, leading to him beginning the new season on the injured list. While his presence on the mound will be missed, Reds manager David Bell has since shared an injury update that should provide the fanbase with a sense of optimism.

Luis Castillo Injury Update

Bell spoke with reporters Thursday, telling them that Castillo will travel with the Reds to start the season. He added that the 29-year-old righty will still need rehab games before he makes his 2022 MLB debut, but the club hopes to have him back on the mound sometime in April.

Castillo has been a workhorse for the Reds, making at least 31 starts in each of the last three full-length seasons. He started an MLB-leading 33 games in 2021, going 8-16 with a 3.98 ERA and 1.364 WHIP.

Castillo's absence is further amplified by the fact that the Reds are also missing starting pitcher Mike Minor as he also deals with a shoulder injury. Getting both or even one of them back in the roation sooner than later will help Cincinnati's campaign start as smooth as possible.

Regardless of the team's injuries, the Reds will have an uphill battle this season. FanDuel Sportsbook is currently giving them +1600 odds to win the NL Central Divsion, which only ranks ahead of the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates (+50000).

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.