MESA, Ariz. — Matt Chapman and Jorge Mateo have yet to play in game for the A’s this spring, but that first game may be coming soon for both.
Chapman, who has been kept out of any throwing and hitting activities since receiving a cortisone shot to relieve inflammation on his right hand last Thursday, finally engaged in throwing Monday morning. Manager Bob Melvin said the last step is to take batting practice, which he expects Chapman to take part in the next couple of days.
The A’s starting third baseman, Chapman, 24, is expected to become a cornerstone of the franchise for his Gold Glove-caliber defense and power bat that projects him to become a 30-plus home run hitter given a full season.