Defensively, Castro Fits With This Team Just Like a Gold Glove

Juan Castro makes his living with his glove, and the defensive specialist is performing well on the job.

Castro has been outstanding in place of injured shortstop Jose Vizcaino, making spectacular plays daily. Understandably, his presence is especially comforting to Dodger pitchers.

“It makes me feel good that the team trusts me, and that I can help the team now,” Castro said. “Jose is hurt, and the team needs me. I just want to do whatever the team needs me to do.”

He has also contributed offensively. Manager Glenn Hoffman said Castro has been a savior, and he gave him a well-deserved night off Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“He’s been outstanding,” Hoffman said. “He’s done a great job, and at a time when we really need everyone to step up and contribute.

“With Vizzy [Vizcaino] still out for about another week or so, I need to get him breaks when I can. I have to keep him strong.”

Castro has started 18 games at short since Vizcaino suffered a severe right ankle sprain June 21 at Colorado. After going two for five in a 10-8 victory Saturday, Castro is batting .273 (nine for 33) in his last 11 games.

But whatever Castro accomplishes offensively is a bonus, players said.

“The way he turns [double plays], that is something,” Ismael Valdes said. “You know he will get to many, many balls, and he makes many tough plays.

“You need your teammates to help you win games, and you hope they can help you [defensively] when you make mistakes. He gives you that confidence.”

Hoffman said Castro, 26, would be a gold glove candidate if he was an everyday player. With his defensive skills, Castro probably would play regularly if he batted .250.

Castro is batting .211 (28 for 133) overall with two home runs and nine runs batted in. In parts of four seasons, Castro has a .192 (66 for 344) average.

“I think about that a little,” Castro said. “I work hard on my hitting, and I want to get better. But my main job is to play good defense.”

And Castro is getting that job done.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Cincinnati Reds, two games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7

* TV--Channel 5 today, Fox Sports West 2 Tuesday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 49-49, Reds 45-53.

* Record vs. Reds--2-5.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ DARREN DREIFORT (5-8, 3.73 ERA) vs. REDS’ STEVE PARRIS (1-0, 4.05 ERA)

* Update--Paul Konerko returns to Dodger Stadium for the first time since he was traded with Dennis Reyes to the Reds for closer Jeff Shaw. Reyes is pitching for the Reds’ triple-A team at Indianapolis. After winning 10 in a row, the Reds were swept in a three-game series by the San Diego Padres at Cincinnati.

* Tuesday, 7 p.m.--Ismael Valdes (7-9, 4.12) vs. Brett Tomko (9-6, 4.43).