Castillo will serve as the opener Friday against the Blue Jays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo worked as an opener 11 times last season, though this will be his first time in that role this year. With Castillo getting the ball first, the Rays will likely to turn to Emilio Pagan should a save opportunity arise.

Castillo, who fired a scoreless inning during which he allowed one hit and recorded two strikeouts in a loss to the White Sox on Friday, has logged 3.1 scoreless frames over three appearances since his return from the injured list.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo has also notched a hold and five strikeouts over that span, certainly encouraging after he surrendered six earned runs over 1.2 innings across his final two appearances before hitting the IL with shoulder inflammation. The 25-year-old's struggles may have well been due to his worsening physical issues, with his aforementioned trio of appearances since returning lending credence to that notion. Although he's yet to see a save chance since his return, Castillo should be in line for a fair share of them with Jose Alvarado (oblique) still projected to be out for multiple weeks.

Castillo (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Castillo will be available to pitch in Friday's matchup with the Orioles after coming off the shelf. He's been on the injured list since June 23 due to right shoulder inflammation, but he successfully completed his rehab stint and should be an option in save situations moving forward, especially with Jose Alvardo (oblique) out of the mix for the near future.

Castillo (shoulder) expects to return from the injured list prior to Friday's game against the Orioles, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo has been on the injured list since late June. There will be less competition for saves once he returns with Jose Alvarado sidelined for at least six weeks with an oblique strain, though Emilio Pagan remains a ninth-inning option as well.

Castillo (shoulder) fired a scoreless third inning during which he issued a walk and recorded a strikeout in the Gulf Coast League Rays' loss to the GCL Red Sox on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo threw just nine pitches overall, five of which found the strike zone. It was an encouraging appearance for the recovering reliever, who may just need one more outing before potentially being activated when first eligible Friday. Castillo should walk into relatively frequent save opportunities when he does get back into action, as he and Emilio Pagan are expected to share the closer role while Jose Alvarado (oblique) is sidelined for what is projected to be six weeks at minimum.

Castillo (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with the Rays' Gulf Coast League affiliate on Tuesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo has been out with shoulder inflammation since late June. It's not clear how many rehab appearances he'll require, but he should be back early in the second half of the season if not right away when play resumes Friday. He'll have extra opportunities for saves in the near future with Jose Alvarado (oblique) out for 6-to-8 weeks.

Castillo (shoulder) threw a 15-pitch live batting practice session Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo was hitting 98-100 mph according to reports. His next step is a scheduled rehab appearance for High-A Charlotte on Tuesday. If Castillo suffers no setbacks during that outing, he could be ready for activation Friday against the Orioles in the team's return from the All-Star break.

Castillo (shoulder) threw over 20 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday and is slated to throw batting practice Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Castillo reportedly displayed impressive velocity during the session, and if his Friday BP goes well, he's slated to face hitters at Port Charlotte next Tuesday. Castillo projects for a return right after the All-Star break as long as he continues to remain free of setbacks.

Manager Kevin Cash hopes Castillo (shoulder) will rejoin the Rays for the first series after the All-Star break against the Orioles, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cash previously indicated there was a chance Castillo could be activated prior to the midseason festivities, but he'll instead use the few extra days for his rehab work. The 25-year-old may be headed to High-A Charlotte for a rehab appearance before returning to the majors.

Manager Kevin Cash has not ruled out Castillo (shoulder) returning to action before the All-Star break, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cash said Castillo would likely be out through the All-Star break as originally expected, but Castillo played catch Saturday without issue, and if all goes well for him over the next several days, the door is apparently still open for him to return before the first half comes to a close.