Eager to add depth in the wake of Troy Tulowitzki’s devastating leg injury, the Rockies agreed in principle on a minor-league deal with infielder Juan Castro on Friday, according to his agent.
“We are going to Colorado,” agent Oscar Suarez said.
Castro will likely report to Triple-A in Colorado Springs to get some at-bats after being inactive for several days when the Cincinnati Reds designated him for assignment. Depending on how second base and shortstop shakes out at the major-league level, Castro could get a look with the Rockies.
As it stands, Clint Barmes, the former starting second baseman, will take over at shortstop for Tulowitzki. That leaves Jeff Baker, the most intriguing because of his power potential, Omar Quintanilla and Jonathan Herrera to compete for playing time at second base.
Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd said last week that he would like to “finally see what we have in Jeff Baker.”
Castro is considered a terrific catch-and-throw guy who hasn’t shown much offensively in recent seasons. He doesn’t have a hit this season in 11 plate appearances.
