Extra innings rules provide a role for Jorge Mateo

MESA, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jorge Mateo #57 of the Oakland Athletics goes through running drills during a spring training workout at Fitch Park on February 20, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jorge Mateo

Jorge Mateo may have clinched a role on the Oakland A’s roster due to the new rules governing extra inning play.

Heading into what was expected to be the 2020 season, Jorge Mateo was not guaranteed a spot on the Oakland A’s. He was seemingly an afterthought in the battle for second base, nominally in the running, but trailing Tony Kemp, Franklin Barreto, and even Vimael Machin in the battle. The one time top prospect was…