15 days to go: Nick Castellanos, the No. 1 prospect in the Detroit Tigers’ system according to Baseball America, had 15 doubles for the Erie SeaWolves last season.

Castellanos was sent to minor-league camp earlier this week.

– Rick Green (follow me @ETNrgreen)

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)

It appears to only be a matter of time this season for Nick Castellanos to make the Detroit Tigers’ roster. Castellanos move from third base to right field last season with the Erie SeaWolves but he is now training in left field during spring training. Avisail Garcia, another former Erie SeaWolves star, is on track to make the Tigers out of spring training and will be in the mix for playing time in the outfield with Austin Jackson, free agent signing Torii Hunter, Andy Dirks and Quintin Berry. Castellanos’ work in the outfield might get him to Detroit earlier but there is a chance he goes back to third base down the line.

Click here for a closer look at Castellanos and his future.

–Tom Reisenweber