PEORIA, Ariz. —
Gabriel Arias is in his first major league camp solely for the experience, so the Padres (and maybe others) can see him play against the big boys.
Early on, the 19-year-old shortstop looks like he belongs.
“To come over at 19 years old and play with a slow heartbeat is pretty impressive,” manager Jayce Tingler said after Arias made a number of plays in the infield and had an RBI single in the Padres’ 9-6 victory over the A’s. “… He’s catching a lot of people’s eye.”
That’s good for him and a bonus for the Padres, in that Arias is among their most sought-after prospects in discussions with other teams.