Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo endured a tough season in 2021. Castillo struggled to find his ace-like form for much of last year's MLB season. Entering the 2022 campaign, there's optimism for the Reds' right-hander to return to form, though the bounce-back journey has hit a couple of Spring Training hitches. First, Castillo was delayed to camp because of visa issues. Now, he was hit with an injury setback with the 2022 MLB season set to begin in less than two weeks. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon has the latest on Castillo's injury.

Expected to open the season on the injured list because of early camp shoulder soreness that slowed his preparation, Castillo appears to be progressing well. He has not appeared in a Cactus League game yet, however.

Per Sheldon, Castillo is expected to begin the MLB season on the injured list due to shoulder soreness. The shoulder injury has slowed his Spring Training preparation, as he has yet to take the mound in Cactus League action for the Reds.

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Despite the fact that he is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Castillo is reportedly progressing well and may only miss a turn or two through the rotation.

The 29-year-old went 8-16 with a 3.98 ERA and 192 strikeouts in 187 2/3 innings pitched. The second half was much kinder to Castillo, as he posted a 3.18 ERA compared to his 4.65 mark from the first half.

There's reason to believe that he can return to the form that made him an All-Star back in 2019. He needs to get healthy first, though.