Catcher becomes 19th former Ducks player to reach MLB level
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 24, 2019) – The Miami Marlins promoted 2018 Long Island Ducks catcher Wilkin Castillo to the Major Leagues from Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, June 21. In doing so, he became the 19th player in Ducks history to reach the MLB level after playing on Long Island.
Castillo played in 20 games with the Ducks at the beginning of the 2018 season. He posted a .314 batting average with two home runs, 12 RBIs, 10 runs, 22 hits, four doubles and eight walks. The New York Yankees purchased his contract on May 25, and he played the rest of the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Dominican Republic native hit .250 with two homers, 13 RBIs, 11 runs and six doubles in 41 games.
The 35-year-old began 2019 with Triple-A New Orleans of the Pacific Coast League. In 31 games, he posted a .253 batting average with two homers, six RBIs, 12 runs, 25 hits, four doubles and 10 walks. Upon being promoted to the big leagues, he started Saturday’s game for the Marlins against the Phillies in Philadelphia, collecting a two-run double that gave the Marlins a 4-3 lead.
The following is the complete list of Ducks players to reach MLB after playing on Long Island:
| PLAYER | YEAR(S) WITH DUCKS | PROMOTED BY | PROMOTION YEAR |
| Wilkin Castillo | 2018 | Miami Marlins | 2019 |
| Henderson Alvarez | 2017 | Philadelphia Phillies | 2017 |
| Quintin Berry | 2017 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2017 |
| Tim Melville | 2017 | Minnesota Twins | 2017 |
| Rich Hill | 2015 | Boston Red Sox | 2015 |
| Scott Rice | 2008 | New York Mets | 2013 |
| Lew Ford | 2009, 2011-Present | Baltimore Orioles | 2012 |
| Kip Wells | 2010 | San Diego Padres | 2012 |
| Justin Hampson | 2010 | New York Mets | 2012 |
| Joey Gathright | 2010 | Boston Red Sox | 2011 |
| Robinson Cancel | 2010 | Houston Astros | 2011 |
| Erick Almonte | 2006 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2011 |
| Jay Gibbons | 2008 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2010 |
| Mel Stocker | 2006 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2007 |
| Nelson Figueroa | 2006 | New York Mets | 2008 |
| Ken Ray | 2002 | Atlanta Braves | 2006 |
| Bill Pulsipher | 2004 | St. Louis Cardinals | 2005 |
| Pedro Borbon Jr. | 2003 | St. Louis Cardinals | 2003 |
| Carlos Baerga | 2001 | Boston Red Sox | 2002 |
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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