Luis Castillo is more than just an ace for the Reds. Manager David Bell calls him one of his favorites because of his personality.

Castillo always has a smile on his face and is willing to give his teammates words of encouragement. It doesn’t matter how big the situation is on the field, he is always smiling and making small comments like “Let’s strike the guy out” or “Let’s get a ground-ball double play” -- it’s important for him to make other people feel good.

“It’s just who he is. No moment is too big for him,” Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said.

If second baseman Jonathan India makes an error to cost the Reds a run, there’s Castillo giving him a pat on the back, assuring him that everything will be OK.  

“He always has my back no matter what. He’s just been there for me,” India said. “He has helped me out in a lot of ways. I’m just happy to be his teammate.”         

On the pitching side of things, it’s safe to say Castillo is one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. That’s why he was named to the All-Star team for the second time in his career.

How good has Castillo been lately? In 11 starts since May 20, he has a 2.37 ERA while racking up 75 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings and holding opponents to a .198 (50-for-252) batting average.

“He is amazing. He’s dominant. He is one, two, three every inning. The game goes quickly every time he is pitching,” India said. “It’s pretty fun. You see how electric he is. He pumps us up.”

According to Bell, Castillo’s game has evolved this year.

“His four-seam fastball has become a really great pitch for him. His ability to locate it [has made it more effective],” Bell said (Castillo’s fastball averages 97 mph). “He [improved] that pitch with the sinker, changeup, which he always had. He has a slider he has developed over the years.”

Even more impressive, Castillo has stayed focused despite swirling trade rumors with his name. Teams like the Yankees, Padres and Dodgers have expressed interest in his services, according to reports. The Aug. 2 Trade Deadline is approaching and Castillo is comfortable with who and where he is.

“No matter what happens, he is going to handle it beautifully,” Bell said.

Castillo has one more year left on his contract and would bring a bigger haul of prospects than a two-month rental. He is also one of two NL All-Star starting pitchers on a team under .500, along with Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, who is on year one of a five-year extension. Castillo said he has heard rumors about a trade to the Yankees, with many considering his July 14 start in the Bronx a “tryout,” but his main focus is what he does on the mound.

“I want to throw to the best of my abilities," Castillo said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. "That’s all I’m thinking."

The Yankees are known for their strict grooming policy, and Castillo likely would have to trim his long dreadlocks.

“Those are decisions that are done by the team,” Castillo said. “If it gets to the point where I have to cut my hair, I will. All I’m worried about is when I go out on the mound and throw my best pitches.”

No matter what happens, Castillo will never forget that the Reds gave him his first chance to pitch in the big leagues in 2017.

“[The Reds] gave me an opportunity to start my career,” Castillo said. “Throughout the whole time with this organization, everybody has treated me well, and I hope we can continue on and do the same for a long time.”