Reno Aces’ Adrian Del Castillo was named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Month after dominating throughout May. During the month, 24-year-old Del Castillo slashed an impressive .359/.412/.641, leading the PCL in hits (37) and total bases (66). In 26 games in May, he ranked second in batting average (.359), doubles (10), and slugging percentage (.641) while also ranking in the top five in OPS (fourth, 1.053), runs (fourth, 20) and triples (fifth, two). The Miami native had 13 multi-hit games, six consecutive from May 5-12.
Additionally, he recorded hits in 19 out of 26 games played during the month. MLB has Del Castillo as the Dbacks’ 27th-ranked prospect. He was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks from the University of Miami in Competitive Balance Round B (67th overall) in 2021, and he is aiming to make his major league debut this season. In the last couple of seasons, he has worked hard to improve his defense behind the plate. This will enhance his chances of securing a backup position as a left-handed batter with enough power to capitalize on mistakes and a strong enthusiasm for playing the position. Del Castillo is seen as the ideal choice to support Gabriel Moreno as a backup catcher.
The Venezuelan right-hander Joe Elbis was named the North West League Player of the Month in May after going 2-0 with a 0.35 ERA in four starts. He pitched 25 2/3 innings with 23 strikeouts and only three walks while holding opposing hitters to a .185 average. This month, he included a scoreless streak of 20 consecutive innings from May 7 to May 28.
Elbis was signed as an international free agent in 2019. At 18 years old, he was assigned to Low-A Visalia in 2021. He has encountered challenges in maintaining his health and development over the past two seasons. However, he is showing progress in his Age-21 season with High-A Hillsboro. Despite a slow start, he has improved in his last six starts, pitching at least five innings and allowing one run or fewer each time. During this period, he is 3-0 with a 0.87 ERA and has a 33-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 38 1/3 innings.
