Chicago White Sox’s Luis Castillo Faces Challenges in Recent Outing Against Houston Astros

HOUSTON — Luis Castillo joined the Chicago White Sox a little over a month ago following a trade from the Seattle Mariners. During August, Castillo allowed at least four runs in three of his five outings. Unfortunately, September started poorly for him as well, with six runs conceded in four innings during a 6-2 defeat against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park with 24,155 spectators.

Manager Will Venable commented, Luis has been making adjustments, but hasn’t found the right one yet. He’ll continue working before his next start, aiming for improvement.

In his performance consisting of 78 pitches, Castillo yielded six hits, struck out three, walked two, and hit one batter. We’re going to keep trying to figure this out, Castillo expressed via an interpreter.

The Sox lost three of four games in the series and ended their trip to Minnesota and Houston with a 3-4 record. Despite this loss, they maintained a lead in the American League Central over the Cleveland Guardians, who fell 6-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays the same day.

Castillo encountered challenges early in Thursday’s game. After walking Isaac Paredes after a ten-pitch duel with two outs in the first, Jose Altuve hit a fastball high over the left-field fence, earning a two-run home run. The Sox responded in the second inning. Jake Rogers hit an RBI infield single, and Sam Antonacci leveled the score with another single.

During the game, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and White Sox catcher Jake Rogers observed Altuve’s two-run homer. Images from the Houston match on September 3, 2026, captured this moment. (Alex Slitz/Getty)

During the second inning, four of the team’s hits occurred. However, they struggled to generate offense in the final six innings, obtaining only one more hit.

Good job early on. It was nice seeing our guys’ efforts with solid at-bats, Venable remarked. Then (Astros starter) Hunter (Brown) settled down and took control. We couldn’t respond.

With runners on corners in the second inning, Munetaka Murakami ended the inning with a strikeout. Murakami had a rough day, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, finishing 3-for-24 during the seven-game trip.

Murakami stated, There are always good and bad times throughout the season. Staying focused daily is crucial. Even a small trigger can turn around success.

Astros gained control with four runs in the third inning. Paredes broke the tie with an RBI double and scored on Daulton Varsho’s two-run triple. Christian Walker’s single extended the Astros’ advantage to 6-2.

Castillo completed his outing after allowing a double in the fourth. Venable noted, Good job initially. But after Altuve’s homer, hard contact became an issue.

Castillo’s ERA rose to 7.52 over six starts with the Sox, totaling 22 earned runs in 26 1/3 innings. Venable underscored the importance of supporting Castillo, indicating high confidence in a post-game discussion.

Confidence is key, Venable communicated. We support Luis. His role is not throwing scoreless innings; it’s providing a winning chance. Although we haven’t seen consistent results, we believe he’s capable.

Castillo acknowledged his struggles and reiterated his commitment to improve for the team’s benefit, communicating to Venable through an interpreter that, I owe this team my performance. I aim to contribute positively and am continuously seeking ways to achieve better outcomes.