Much-hyped Castillo makes debut for Red Sox

PITTSBURGH — Nothing involving the Boston Red Sox happens outside the spotlight. There is still a throng of media covering the team, even though Boston is last in the American League East a year after winning the World Series.

Outfielder Rusney Castillo fully understand the scrutiny after he made his major league debut Wednesday night in a 9-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He went 1-for-4 with an infield single and a fine running catch in the left-center field gap off a bat hit by Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano.

Castillo understands that by signing a seven-year, $72.5-million contract Aug. 22, the largest ever given to a Cuban defector, he is expected to perform. However, he says he does not feel any extra pressure to perform during his September cameo.

“I’ve been counseled very well to just kind of stay within my own game and not really feel pressure to stay disciplined with what I know how to do and kind of take everything as it comes and not get too overexcited or not feel too much pressure,” Castillo said through a translator.

“I’ve always been a disciplined player. Although I have been counseled on that, it’s almost like I’ve been counseled on something I was already doing for the most part. So I don’t foresee myself changing that approach in any way at the big league level. I’m just going to kind of play the same game I’ve been playing.”

Because of timing of his signing, Castillo was unable to play in any regular-season minor league games. However, he did appear in 11 playoff games with Triple-A Pawtucket, Double-A Portland the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox, hitting .387 (12-for-31) with four doubles and a home run.

Now, Castillo is a major leaguer and the Red Sox have spent a lot of money with the idea that he will be a key part of their lineup into the next decade.

“I’m very excited, to say the least,” Castillo said. “Not only to be in the major leagues, but to be in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox. Very excited.”