SAN DIEGO -- Jose Castillo's first two trips to the Petco Park mound offer the two best examples of his unflappable demeanor.
A year and a half ago, during the World Baseball Classic at Petco Park, Castillo faced the heart of the USA lineup while pitching for Team Venezuela. At 21, and having never pitched above Class A Advanced, Castillo struck out Christian Yelich, then Nolan Arenado.
A year later, after his June callup, Castillo faced the heart of the Reds' lineup in his big league debut.