Minor league pitcher convicted of hurting fan in brawl released from Ohio jail during appeal

Pitcher appeals Ohio brawl conviction, is released

DAYTON, Ohio — A minor league pitcher convicted of throwing a baseball that injured a fan during an on-field melee in Ohio last year has been released from jail pending appeal.

A Montgomery County judge Thursday sentenced 22-year-old Julio Castillo (HOO’-lee-oh kas-TEE’-yo) to 30 days in jail and three years probation. The judge released Castillo on Friday while he appeals.

Castillo’s attorney says that could take a year. He says his Dominican client may travel to his Arizona home but can’t leave the United States.

Castillo was convicted of felonious assault causing serious physical injury for giving the fan a concussion after a brawl broke out in a Class A game in Dayton.

He plays for a Chicago Cubs affiliate but has been benched pending the legal proceedings.