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Tim Locastro

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Tim Locastro
Locastro with the Mets in 2023
Free agent
Outfielder
Born: (1992-07-14) July 14, 1992 (age 32)
Auburn, New York, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 29, 2017, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB statistics
(through 2023)
Batting average.227
Home runs9
Runs batted in38
Stolen bases45
Teams
Career highlights and awards
MLB records

Timothy Donald Locastro (born July 14, 1992) is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and New York Mets. He holds the MLB record for most consecutive successful stolen bases to start a career, with 29.[1]

Early life

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Locastro was born in Auburn, New York, on July 14, 1992. He is of Italian and Irish descent and was raised in a churchgoing Roman Catholic home. His family were fans of the New York Yankees and of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.[2][3]

Career

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Amateur career

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Locastro played high school baseball at Auburn High School in Auburn, New York, and then played college baseball at Ithaca College, where he was the Empire 8 player of the year in 2013 when he set school records for runs and stolen bases.[4][5] He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 13th round of the 2013 MLB draft[6] and signed with them on June 13.[7]

Toronto Blue Jays

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Locastro played for the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League in 2013, hitting .283 in 43 games.[8] The following season, he was selected to play in the Northwest League mid-season all-star game,[9] and he hit .313 in 67 games for the Vancouver Canadians and also stole 32 bases while being caught only four times.[8] He began the 2015 season with the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League, where he hit .310 with 30 steals in 70 games.[8]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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Locastro with the Tulsa Drillers

Locastro was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers (along with Chase De Jong) on July 2, 2015, in exchange for three international signing slots.[10] He was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and helped them to the California League championship.[11] He began 2016 with Rancho Cucamonga again and was promoted mid-season to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers. Between the two teams, he was in 131 games, hitting .285 with 24 steals.[8] The Dodgers assigned him to the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League after the season.[12] In 2017 he was selected to the Texas League mid-season all-star game[13] and between Tulsa and AAA Oklahoma City, he hit .308 in 127 games with 34 steals.[8]

Locastro was called up to the majors for the first time on September 29, 2017. He was called up to be evaluated for possible use as an impact pinch runner in the playoffs.[14] He made his MLB debut that night against the Colorado Rockies, running for Corey Seager in the eighth inning and remaining in the game to play an inning in left field.[15] He became the first Ithaca player to play in MLB since Glen Cook appeared in nine games for the Texas Rangers in 1985.[16] The following day, Locastro again appeared as a pinch runner, and stole third base for his first major league steal.[17] He did finally get an at-bat, in his third and final appearance for the Dodgers this season, on October 1. He pinch hit against Adam Ottavino and popped out to second.[18] He was not added to the post-season roster.[19] Locastro was designated for assignment on November 20, 2018.[20]

Arizona Diamondbacks

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Locastro with the Diamondbacks in 2021

The day after being designated, Locastro was traded to the New York Yankees for minor league pitcher Drew Finley and cash.[21] On January 16, 2019, the Yankees traded Locastro to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor league pitcher Ronald Roman and cash.[22]

In 2019, Locastro batted .250/.357/.340, and stole 17 bases without being caught (bringing his career major league record to 22 stolen bases without being caught), leading the major leagues in stolen base percentage.[23] He had the fastest sprint speed of all major league players, at 30.8 feet/second.[24] He finished the season with a BABIP of .243 on ground balls. He also set the MLB record for most hit by pitches (22, or 8.8%) with fewer than 300 plate appearances, which in turn inflated his on base percentage (.357).[25]

In 2020 he batted .290/.395/.464 in 69 at bats with 15 runs, two home runs, seven RBIs, and four stolen bases in four attempts, and was hit by pitches four times.[26] He had yet to record a caught stealing in his career. He had the fastest sprint speed of all major league players, at 30.7 feet/second.[27]

On April 10, 2021, he broke the record for number of stolen bases to start a career without being caught stealing (28), a record previously held by Tim Raines.[28] On April 17, Locastro got caught stealing for the first time in his career, being thrown out by Yan Gomes of the Washington Nationals. In the play, he also jammed his finger and was placed on the 10-day injured list after the game[29] and was reinstated May 3.[30] In 55 games with Arizona in 2021, Locastro slashed .178/.271/.220 with one home run and five RBIs.

New York Yankees

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On July 1, 2021, the Diamondbacks traded Locastro to the New York Yankees in exchange for Keegan Curtis.[31] On July 11, Locastro hit his first Yankees home run against Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros. Locastro played in nine games (batting 4-for-21) for the Yankees before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament while catching a fly ball off the bat of Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo on July 17, ending his 2021 season.[32][33] In 2021, Locastro had the fastest sprint speed of all major league center fielders, and the second-fastest sprint speed in the major leagues, at 30.7 feet per second (9.4 m/s).[34]

On November 5, 2021, Locastro was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.[35] However, he was non-tendered on November 30, making him a free agent.[36] On March 13, 2022, Locastro was signed by the Yankees to a one-year major league deal.[37] He began the 2022 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and was promoted to the major leagues on April 17.[38] Playing in 38 games for the Yankees, Locastro batted .186/.239/.349 with 2 home runs, 4 RBI, and 8 stolen bases.[39] On November 10, Locastro was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple–A; he subsequently elected free agency.[40]

New York Mets

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On January 9, 2023, Locastro signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization with a spring training invitation.[41][42] On March 27, the Mets designated Darin Ruf for assignment, clearing the way for Locastro to make the major league Opening Day roster.[43] He played in 11 games for the Mets, going hitless in 7 at-bats while appearing mainly as a pinch runner before he was placed on the injured list with back spasms on April 17.[44] He began a rehab assignment with the Single-A St. Lucie Mets on April 30.[45] He suffered a thumb injury late in his rehab assignment and was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 19.[46] It was later revealed that he would undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb.[47] On August 12, he was activated and slotted in the lineup as the starting center fielder in that day's game against the Atlanta Braves.[48] In 43 games for the Mets, he batted .232/.338/.393 with 2 home runs, 3 RBI, and 6 stolen bases. Following the season on November 2, Locastro was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Syracuse Mets.[49] He elected free agency on November 6.[50]

San Diego Padres

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On February 28, 2024, Locastro signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[51] On November 6, he elected free agency.[52]

References

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  1. ^ "D-backs Tim Locastro injured as MLB stolen base record comes to an end". Arizonasports.com. April 17, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  2. ^ Dampf, Andrew (November 29, 2019). "Mike Piazza taking cues from Tommy Lasorda as new manager of Italy's baseball team". CBC.
  3. ^ O'Neill, Max (July 30, 2019). "Tim Locastro brings his Irish to the game". The Irish Echo.
  4. ^ "Tim Locastro bio". Ithaca College Athletics. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  5. ^ Lawrence, Steve (June 5, 2013). "Leaving A Mark: Departing athletes made an indelible impression". Ithaca.com. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  6. ^ Derderian, Steve (June 10, 2013). "Locastro selected in MLB Draft". The Ithacan. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  7. ^ "From Bomber to Blue Jay, Locastro is Living a Dream". pgcbl.com. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Tim Locastro Minor & Fall League Statistics & History". Baseball Reference. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  9. ^ "Auburn native Tim Locastro chosen to play in Northwest League All-Star Game". The Citizen. Auburn, NY. June 25, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2017 – via auburnpub.com.
  10. ^ Weisman, Jon (July 2, 2015). "Dodgers acquire minor-leaguers Chase DeJong and Tim Locastro". dodgers.com. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  11. ^ Houghtaling, Jeremy (September 24, 2015). "Auburn native Tim Locastro still working after winning minor league baseball championship". auburnpub.com. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  12. ^ Moriyama, Chad (September 29, 2016). "Bellinger, Verdugo, Calhoun among 8 Dodgers headed to Arizona Fall League". Dodgers Digest. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  13. ^ "Auburn native Tim Locastro selected as a Texas League All-Star". The Citizen. Auburn, NY. June 15, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017 – via auburnpub.com.
  14. ^ Stephen, Eric (September 29, 2017). "Dodgers call up Tim Locastro from Triple-A". SB Nation. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  15. ^ McCullough, Andy (September 29, 2017). "Dodgers promote speedy Tim Locastro for last-minute playoff audition". LA Times. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  16. ^ "Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY) Baseball Players". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  17. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies Box Score, September 30, 2017". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  18. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies Box Score, October 1, 2017". Baseball Reference. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  19. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (October 6, 2017). "Auburn's Tim Locastro left off Los Angeles Dodgers' first-round playoff roster". Syracuse.com. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
  20. ^ Todd, Jeff (November 20, 2018). "Dodgers Designate Erik Goeddel, Release Tom Koehler". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  21. ^ Healey, Tim (November 21, 2018). "Yankees trade for Dodgers' Locastro". Newsday. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  22. ^ "Diamondbacks acquire Tim Locastro from Yankees". Archived from the original on January 17, 2019. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  23. ^ "2019 Major League Baseball Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. January 1, 1970. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  24. ^ "Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com". Baseballsavant.mlb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  25. ^ Why Tim Locastro Should Be Your Favorite Weird Player | Baseball Bits, October 12, 2019, retrieved October 15, 2019
  26. ^ "Tim Locastro Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  27. ^ "Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard". baseballsavant.com.
  28. ^ "Locastro now 28/28 on stolen bases, setting mark". ESPN.com. April 11, 2021.
  29. ^ TC Zencka (April 17, 2021). "Diamondbacks To Place Tim Locastro On Injured List". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  30. ^ "Arizona Diamondbacks reinstate Locastro & Walker from the 10-day injured list; option Heath & Young to Triple-A". Boxscore World Sportswire.
  31. ^ "Tim Locastro traded to Yankees". Mlb.com. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  32. ^ "Yankees' Tim Locastro Suffers Torn ACL". MLB Trade Rumors. July 17, 2021.
  33. ^ "Yankees' Tim Locastro: Exits with apparent knee injury". CBS Sports. July 17, 2021.
  34. ^ "Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard". baseballsavant.com.
  35. ^ Franco, Anthony (November 5, 2021). "Red Sox Claim Tim Locastro From Yankees". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  36. ^ Adams, Steve (November 30, 2021). "American League Non-Tenders: 11/30/21". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  37. ^ "Yankees sign Auburn native Tim Locastro". March 14, 2022.
  38. ^ "Yankees, Orioles lineups Sunday | Tim Locastro up from minors and starting (4/17/22)". April 17, 2022.
  39. ^ "Mets sign speedy outfielder Tim Locastro away from Yankees". nypost.com. January 9, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  40. ^ "Yankees add a trio of pitchers to major league roster, release Tim Locastro". pinstripealley.com. November 10, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  41. ^ "New York Mets Sign Tim Locastro to Minor League Deal". MSN.
  42. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Lands deal with Mets". cbssports.com. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  43. ^ "Mets designate Ruf; Locastro added to roster". MLB.com. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  44. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Placed on IL with back spasms". cbssports.com. April 17, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  45. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Starting up rehab assignment". cbssports.com. April 30, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  46. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Transferred to 60-day IL". cbssports.com. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  47. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Needs surgery for thumb tear". cbssports.com. May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  48. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Activated, starting Game 2". cbssports.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  49. ^ "Mets' Tim Locastro: Lands on outright waivers". cbssports.com. November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  50. ^ "Tim Locastro: Reaches free agency". cbssports.com. November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  51. ^ Adams, Steve (February 28, 2024). "Padres Sign Tim Locastro To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  52. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2024). "Minor League Free Agents 2024". Baseball America. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
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