MESA, Arizona — Jorge Mateo, rated as the No. 3 prospect in the A’s organization, cleared his final medical hurdle after a knee injury and is line to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday.
That’s good news for Mateo, and even better news for head trainer Nick Paparesta, who can finally stop that nagging pain coming from the manager’s office.
“I’m on him every day about getting (Mateo) into games,” Bob Melvin said Monday. “So more than anything, the trainer will be relieved.”
Mateo, 22, and outfielder Dustin Fowler were the key pieces of the trade that sent All-Star pitcher Sonny Gray to the New York Yankees last July 31.