FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Nearly every time he gets the chance, outfielder Rusney Castillo seems to do something to stand out.
A few days ago, he smacked a walkoff homer in extra-innings. On Sunday, it was defense that attracted all the attention.
In a 2-2 game in the top of the 10th, with the potential go-ahead run on third base, Castillo made a diving catch of a ball in foul territory, then threw out the baserunner at the plate to preserve the tie.
Just for good measure, Castillo then led off the bottom of the inning with a single and came around to score the game-winning run on Deven Marrero's walkoff single off the left field wall.
"It turned out to be a good play,'' said Castillo of his play in right. "I'm always kind of anticipating that play to happen, when you have a man on third in a big situation. You hope that you can play like that and execute the way it turned out. I was fortunate enough that it turned out our way.''
"I don't know that you can make a play better than the one he made,'' enthused John Farrell. "Diving catch into foul territory, gets up, sets his feet and throws a 150-foot strike. A dynamic player, when you consider the skill set he has. If there was any question on whether he can play right field, I think he's certainly answering those here in camp. His reads and his routes are fine there. Obviously, he has enough arm to play the position.''
After playing irregularly the last two years, Castillo is more into the flow of things this spring.
Boston Red Sox
"His timing, his decisions on the field, his decisions on the basepaths - they're all very solid,'' said Farrell.
At the plate, Castillo was 1-for-2 with two runs scored and is hitting .263 for the spring.
"I feel pretty good,'' said Castillo. "Thankfully, I'm healty and there are no restrictions (after missing two weeks earlier with an oblique strain). I feel good. My swing's in a good place.''