Major League Baseball

Phillies acquire Luis Castillo

Published Mar. 20, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The Phillies, uncertain about the condition of Chase Utley, have signed second baseman Luis Castillo to a minor-league contract, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today.

Castillo, released by the Mets, cleared waivers on Sunday afternoon.
The Phillies will pay him the major-league minimum $414,000 if he makes their club, with the Mets owing him the balance of his guaranteed $6 million salary.

Utley, suffering from a right-knee injury, is taking batting practice, but still not running. The Phillies are pleased with the play of their other utility infielders - Wilson Valdez, Peter Orr, Josh Barfield, Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez. But Castillo, a career .290 hitter, gives them a more proven option, albeit one who has lost significant range in the field.

The Phillies appeared to be the only legitimate option for Castillo.
The Marlins had limited interest at the present time. The Cubs, another team reported to be in the mix for Castillo, did not show interest.

News of Castillo's agreement with the Phillies was first reported by CSNPhilly.com.

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