Soto Strains Groin

The Chicago Cubs have placed catcher Geovany Soto on the 15 day DL.  Soto sustained a groin strain in the first inning of Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Soto’s best season came in his first with the Cubs.  The catcher hit 23 homeruns to go along with his line of .285/.364/.504 and was named Rookie of the Year.

Things went downhill his second year when Soto was only able to sustain a .218 average, but he was able to pick up his numbers again in 2010.  The former All Star hasn’t been able to get things going this year, as he entered Tuesday night’s game hitting .226.

To replace Soto Chicago has called up Welington Castillo from their AAA squad.  This will be Castillo’s second stint with the Cubs, his first coming in 2010.  The backstop was successful during his short stay with the team last season.  Castillo had 6 hits in 20 at bats including 4 doubles and a homerun.

Castillo and Koyie Hill will be sharing backstop duties in Soto’s absence.  With Hill starting tonight’s game, Castillo seems poised to be in the lineup for tomorrow’s 2:20 finale against the Cardinals.