WATCH: Atlanta Braves Second Baseman Daniel Castro Makes Magician-Like Barehanded Catch

Braves Daniel Castro Makes Unbelievable Barehanded Catch

The Atlanta Braves (4-15) are taking on the Boston Red Sox (10-9) in a two-game series in Atlanta, and then they travel to Boston for another two-game series.  On Tuesday, the Braves faced five-time All-Star pitcher David Price.  Matt Wisler started on the mound for the Braves in this match-up.

When Hector Olivera was arrested for assault on April 13th, the Braves called-up infielder Daniel Castro.  Castro has played in 12 games in 2016 and has started nine of those games…he’s started the past eight games.

The 23-year-old from Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico is playing ball right now like someone is going to snatch his career right from underneath him.  Talk about someone who was given an opportunity and is running with it.

Castro is batting .308 with a double, three RBIs, five runs and a stolen base prior to tonight’s game.  But it’s his defense that we’ll be talking about tonight.

Take a look at the play Castro made on Tuesday evening after Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts hits a bloop fly ball to shallow right field.

Castro – a second baseman, third baseman, or shortstop – has come through the minors as a solid defensive player.  In six minor league seasons playing second base he only had nine errors (eight of these errors came in 2011 when he was 18-years-old).  He did have 29 errors at shortstop in the minors, but that’s short.

In 2016, Castro has yet to record an error playing in the field (knock on wood).

Prior to this season, it seemed unlikely that Castro would find any playing time in Atlanta.  The Braves had Jace Peterson, Kelly Johnson, Gordon Beckham and Erick Aybar (even Emilio Bonifacio at one point) all ahead of Castro.  Situations rose and Castro stepped up to the plate.

Even though he’s not one of the top talented young Braves, it’s fun to watch this youngster play.