Weekly Check In: Jorge Mateo

The Yankees top prospect Jorge Mateo left a game earlier in the week early with an undisclosed injury. The truth never officially came out but rumors immediately circulated that he was removed because he wasn't hustling. That doesn't sound like Mateo but you never know.

Mateo also saw his season end early in 2015 due to a leg injury so when does the team start worrying about a pattern rearing its ugly head? Yes I realize it’s too early to think about something like that but I can’t help it, it’s just the way I am hardwired. I’m always thinking 10 moves ahead. It’s a gift and a curse.

At the time of the injury Mateo had done well statistically speaking although his stolen base numbers have left much to be desired after 2015. An alarming number I am noticing is the number of caught stealing and pick off attempts that go awry with Mateo. Is he just unlucky or is his read on the opposing pitcher that bad? I truly don’t know.

Mateo’s future with the club is something I definitely think is worth discussing and worth worrying about now despite the fact that he is still a good couple years away from the Major Leagues. The Yankees have young and effective players at both the shortstop position (Didi Gregorius) and second base position (Starlin Castro) for the foreseeable future and I’m not sure if Mateo’s arm could be sustainable at the third base position. Does this make Mateo trade bait potentially? You have to think that may at least be a possibility.

But we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. There’s no room for negativity, it’s Friday!

Year	Age	Lev	G	PA	R	H	2B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2016	21	A+	24	107	21	31	3	3	19	8	6	10	23	.330	.396	.521	.918

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table