LOS ANGELES >> When Juan Castro served as a roving assistant in the Dodgers’ front office, Pedro Baez was a young third baseman cutting his chops in the low minor leagues.
As he canvassed the Dodgers’ farm system, Castro would occasionally cross paths with Baez. Both men spoke Spanish and played the same position, so Baez was the perfect pupil for a retired infielder making his maiden voyage into a post-playing career. Castro and Baez have known each other for four years now, longer than most in an ever-changing clubhouse.
While Baez has carved out a steady job in the bullpen, Castro is the Dodgers’ quality assurance coach.