He’s no lock for the opening-day roster, but former Erie SeaWolves standout Nick Castellanos is turning heads in Lakeland, Fla.

Castellanos went 3-for-3 in the Detroit Tigers’ 11-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday.

Here’s what manager Jim Leyland told the Detroit Free Press about Castellanos:

“This kid is tearing the cover off the ball – that’s good stuff. He’s making a hell of an impression. He’s got a great swing, I’ll tell you that.”

And Rays manager Joe Maddon:

“His hands flip the end of the bat at the ball really well, and the ball comes off hot.”

He might not break camp with the team, but he’s sure making waves.

– Rick Green (follow me on Twitter @ETNrgreen)