MLB Game Preview - Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Sat Aug 26, 2017 6:40 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- The clock is ticking on right-hander Luis Castillo's rookie season.

The Cincinnati Reds right-hander has pitched 150 2/3 innings including the minor leagues. He compiled 131 2/3 last year.

Ideally, the Reds would like the 24-year-old to exceed last year's total by about 30-35 innings. But, manager Bryan Price was reluctant to set a firm limit.

"When I did the math, I figured he wasn't going to get through September, but it's important for him to exceed what he's done before," said Price. "There's some wiggle room, but not a lot. It's more of an eye test. He could have two more (starts), or it could be more. It could be three or four or five."

Castillo, one of four rookies currently in the Reds' rotation, is scheduled to make his 13th career start and first against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at Great American Ball Park.

He was acquired in January from the Marlins along with right-hander Austin Brice and minor-league outfielder Isaiah White in exchange for right-hander Dan Straily. Castillo (2-6, 3.45 ERA)Re has produced quality starts in six of his past nine appearances.

For the Reds (55-74), who are rebuilding around their stockpile of young pitching, Castillo has emerged as a significant piece to the puzzle for 2018.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said the secret's out on Castillo. Prior to Friday's game against the Reds, Hurdle opened a large binder and showered Castillo with praise.

"The fastball's real, the velocity is real," Hurdle said. "We've got some reports where it's been up to 100, but it's 96, 98 firm. Four-seamer up with life. You try to play ball with this guy up in the zone, it can be difficult because of the velocity and the finish to his fastball."

Pittsburgh (61-68) will counter will veteran right-hander Gerrit Cole, who has never beaten the Reds. In nine career starts against Cincinnati, Cole is 0-6 with a 5.14 ERA. He earned a no-decision against them on May 1 when he allowed two earned runs over six innings in a game the Pirates eventually lost in 10 innings. Cole was 0-2 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts against the Reds last season.

Cole earned a no-decision in his last start, a 12-inning loss to the Dodgers on Monday. Over his past 13 starts, Cole has gone 7-2 with a 3.55 ERA. He's been good on the road this season, going 8-4 in 14 starts away from PNC Park.

One Pirate who has enjoyed considerable success in his career against Cincinnati is Andrew McCutchen, who got a day off for Friday's series opener but struck out as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning.

McCutchen has hit 18 of his 28 career home runs against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. McCutchen's 18 home runs as a visiting player at Great American are tied for fourth all-time (with Aramis Ramirez) behind Ryan Braun (24), Lance Berkman (23) and Albert Pujols (20).

Cincinnati is 9-2 against the Pirates this season. Pittsburgh has lost 10 of its past 13 games.