Guide Note:Venezuelan Major League Baseball infielder Jose Castillo currently plays for the San Francisco Giants.

Castillo originally signed as an undrafted amateur free agent on July 2, 1997 by the Pittsburgh Pirates and assigned to the minor leagues. After six years in the minors he gained recognition during the 2003 season, when he was ranked as Pittsburgh's best prospect by USA Today Sports Weekly. He was also ranked fourth among all minor league prospects by Baseball America. Castillo made his MLB debut with the Pirates the following season on April 7, 2004, playing in 129 games his rookie year. He joined the Pirates for 101 games during the 2005 season, missing time for a couple injuries.

After a stellar start to the 2006 season, Castillo earned a starting role for 148 games. His play began to slip mid-season and his playing time was reduced. This continued into the 2007 season, where he only saw action in 87 games. After the 2007 season, he was released by the Pirates, and on December 24, 2007 he signed as a free agent with the Florida Marlins. He was immediately waived, then picked up by the San Francisco Giants on March 22, 2008. Fast Facts:

1. Born: March 19, 1981
2. Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela
3. MLB Debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2004

Categories