Tigers draft 3B Castellanos and RHP Ruffin

6/8/2010

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have selected high school third baseman Nick Castellanos of Florida 44th and Texas pitcher Chance Ruffin 48th overall in the baseball draft.

Detroit gave up its first pick Monday night to Houston when they signed closer Jose Valverde. But they acquired their top two selections for losing relievers Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon in free agency.

Castellanos is from Archbishop McCarthy High School near Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He made a name for himself at an all-star event last year at Wrigley Field, where he won a home run contest and is regarded as a solid defensive player with good hands.

Ruffin is 6-1 with 14 saves and a 0.73 ERA for the Longhorns, who are in the NCAA super regionals. His father is former big leaguer Bruce Ruffin.