masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAlberto Castillo is back in the O’s bullpen.

With Mark Hendrickson starting today, we now know why Castillo was summoned when Rhyne Hughes was optioned.

Hendrickson starting today meant one less lefty for the pen and the 34-year-old southpaw from Cuba is back.

He began the year at Norfolk, was recalled by Baltimore April 20 and went back to Triple-A just 11 days ago.

He hopes this will be a longer stay in the Majors, but knows there are no promises.

“They never say that. I don’t know…Alberto Castillo is back in the O’s bullpen.

With Mark Hendrickson starting today, we now know why Castillo was summoned when Rhyne Hughes was optioned.

Hendrickson starting today meant one less lefty for the pen and the 34-year-old southpaw from Cuba is back.

He began the year at Norfolk, was recalled by Baltimore April 20 and went back to Triple-A just 11 days ago.

He hopes this will be a longer stay in the Majors, but knows there are no promises.

“They never say that. I don’t know how long it’s going to be.”

He did get into six games in his first go-around here this year and in five innings allowed six hits and three runs. He got a win, April 27 vs. the Yankees.

“I got in the game a lot, they seem to have more confidence in me and I appreciate that from my manager and that’s what I need.

“I know I can pitch well in the Major Leagues. I know that.”

Castillo pitched three times for Norfolk when he went back to Triple-A and did not allow a run over 3 1/3.

With Hendrickson starting, at least for one day, who knows if that could mean a bigger bullpen role for Castillo this time.

“I can’t tell if that will change my role or I’ll get more chances. Mark has been a long reliever. I don’t know if that means I will get more chances or not.”

He’s happy to here, but being on that Norfolk-Baltimore shuttle can be tough at times.

“It’s hard, especially with the travel. Like I was in Buffalo and I didn’t have any of my stuff. It’s always good to get called up, but you have to make a trip back to get your stuff.

“You have to be mentally strong, too, when you go back and forth from Triple-A to here.”