Jorge Mateo Leading The Competition For Last Bench Spot?
4 years agoSan Diego Padres outfielder Jorge Mateo might be in the slight lead over outfielders Jorge Ona and Brian O'Grady and catcher Luis Campusano in the battle for the last spot on the bench to open the season. Mateo is hitting the ball hard and reaching base. He has elite speed, but he's also struck out eight times in 18 Cactus League plate appearances. None of the candidates have impressed much so far, but Mateo also brings value as a pinch-runner. Whoever wins the job won't start much and will mainly serve as a pinch-hitter or late-game replacement, so they won't be valuable in fantasy unless an injury occurs to open up more playing time. Mateo or O'Grady could back up Trent Grisham in center field.
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell