A willing Luis Castillo is just what Mariners' bullpen needs to survive injury rush

On a peripheral level it might seem like the Mariners bullpen is okay, just based on having the second-lowest ERA in the majors. However, the reality is they're hanging on for dear life, missing the likes of Matt Brash, Gabe Speier and Carlos Vargas. However, what if Luis Castillo could help the club overcome this ridiculous rush of reliever injuries?

Giving credit where it's due, the idea of Castillo being moved to the bullpen was brought up by ESPN insider Jeff Passan on Tuesday, during his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports with Mike Salk and Brock Huard. The Mariners need to make an important decision soon, with Bryce Miller tentatively set to return around mid-May. And with Emerson Hancock arguably the best starter so far this season, he surely can't be removed from the rotation?

We actually like the idea of Castillo as a reliever, despite him currently projected to have the worst season of his 10 years in the majors. His 6.29 ERA and 1.660 would be career-highs, while his -0.8 bWAR through seven starts really does highlight just how ineffective he's been. However, dig deeper and there's at least some encouragement he can help the bullpen, even if it's only until the reliever injuries subside.

Luis Castillo's early returns point towards a successful transition to the bullpen

As much as Castillo has disappointed in general, he has often started out strong. For example, he has allowed a .401 OPS in the first inning and a .661 OPS for pitches 1-25, which both compare favorably to an overall .849 OPS.

Velocity is also a factor and the following table of his four-seamer/sinker by inning, furthers the case for why he can work well out of the bullpen:

Clearly -- and understandably -- Castillo's velocity is at its best to start each outing and then begins to dip. Even allowing for him finding a second wind in the sixth inning, the reality is the damage is usually done by then. The point is that in theory he's a guy who can give you a clean inning, and maybe two or even three as and when needed in a role as a long reliever.

Would Luis Castillo be willing to put the team ahead of his ego?

Of course, just because the possibility of using Castillo as a reliever might be appealing, it's not simply a case of Mariners manager Dan Wilson going ahead with it. As Passan noted, if the three-time All-Star is going to be moved to the bullpen, it should be with his consent. With everything he's done for the organization he deserves that basic respect, as opposed to a demotion being forced on him.

At the same time -- assuming the Mariners want to go down this road -- Castillo's response to such a suggestion would be extremely telling. Is it a case where he would be willing to do what's best for the team as they pursue that elusive World Series berth, or would his ego not allow it? Does he still have a mentality which makes him believe he's good enough to remain a starter, even though the evidence seems to suggest this is no longer the best role for him?

There are other potential options on the table for the Mariners, including going to a six-man rotation when Miller returns, or sending one of the other starters to the bullpen. However, we really don't believe either of those choices make as much sense as Castillo sacrificing for the good of the team.

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