3 years agoBaltimore Orioles shortstop Jorge Mateo (hand) took batting practice on Wednesday and should be fine for Opening Day on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Mateo left the Grapefruit League game early on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays when he was hit on the right hand by a pitch. But the 26-year-old avoided structural damage and could open the season as the team's starting shortstop after he went 8-for-21 with six extra-base hits, two walks and a stolen base in spring training. Mateo had a nice showing in his first season with the O's last year, slashing .280/.328/.421 with two homers, eight RBI and five stolen bases in 116 plate appearances over 32 games. If he's given the regular shortstop gig, he could be attractive in AL-only leagues for his speed.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko