Jorge Mateo Won't Be Ready For Opening Day
30 seconds agoMASN's Roch Kubatko reports that Baltimore Orioles infielder Jorge Mateo (elbow) will not be ready for Opening Day this year. Mateo had UCL reconstruction on his left (non-throwing) elbow last year and will not be ready in time when regular-season games kick off at the end of March. The 29-year-old is reportedly doing well in his recovery, but the O's will play it safe with him and will hold him back from playing in Grapefruit League games initially. The Dominican infielder stole 30-plus bases in each of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Baltimore, but he ended up playing in only 68 games last year, and his stolen base numbers dipped to just 13 in 208 plate appearances. Speed is obviously Mateo's biggest fantasy asset, but when healthy, he's just not going to see enough playing time in Baltimore to make him worth a roster spot in 12-team mixed leagues.
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko