MINNEAPOLIS - The NL East-leading New York Mets neatly filled a big hole at second base, acquiring three-time All-Star Luis Castillo for a pair of prospects Monday.
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The 31-year-old Castillo adds speed to a batting order already topped by major league stolen base leader Jose Reyes. Castillo twice was the NL steals leader.
A three-time Gold Glove winner, Castillo also should solidly the defense in an infield with Reyes at shortstop, David Wright at third and Carlos Delgado at first base.
Minnesota gets catcher Drew Butera and outfielder Dustin Martin. The deal came a day before the deadline for making trades without waivers.
Castillo is hitting .304 but had just nine steals in 13 attempts and only 29 walks in 349 at-bats. He is making $5.75 million and is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
Ruben Gotay had been playing second since Jose Valentin broke a bone in his right leg when he fouled off a pitch at Dodger Stadium since on June 21.
Butera is batting a combined .231 with six homers and 26 RBIs this year at Double-A Binghamton of the Eastern League and Class A St. Lucie of the Florida State League.
Martin is hitting a combined .289 with five homers and 52 RBIs for St. Lucie and the Golf Coast League Mets.
The Twins recalled infielder Alexi Casilla to replace Castillo.
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The 31-year-old Castillo adds speed to a batting order already topped by major league stolen base leader Jose Reyes. Castillo twice was the NL steals leader.
A three-time Gold Glove winner, Castillo also should solidly the defense in an infield with Reyes at shortstop, David Wright at third and Carlos Delgado at first base.
Minnesota gets catcher Drew Butera and outfielder Dustin Martin. The deal came a day before the deadline for making trades without waivers.
Castillo is hitting .304 but had just nine steals in 13 attempts and only 29 walks in 349 at-bats. He is making $5.75 million and is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
Ruben Gotay had been playing second since Jose Valentin broke a bone in his right leg when he fouled off a pitch at Dodger Stadium since on June 21.
Butera is batting a combined .231 with six homers and 26 RBIs this year at Double-A Binghamton of the Eastern League and Class A St. Lucie of the Florida State League.
Martin is hitting a combined .289 with five homers and 52 RBIs for St. Lucie and the Golf Coast League Mets.
The Twins recalled infielder Alexi Casilla to replace Castillo.
