MLB Spring Training: The mid-spring All-Star roster
By Bill Felber
MLB Spring Training: The mid-spring All-Star roster
The right side of the infield
Carlos Santana is off to a superb spring start at first base for the Indians. His .393 batting average ranks 11th among qualifying players, and his 11 hits include four for extra bases, creating a .714 slugging average.
Ryan O’Hearn hopes to use this spring to secure his starting position at first with the Royals. Two weeks into spring play, he’s well on his way to doing so.
Coming off a .195 2019 batting average, O’Hearn is batting .313 with an eye-catching 1.121 OPS. O’Hearn can thank his four home runs and two doubles for that lofty number. Given that he’s playing a power position, that is a well-timed bonus for O’Hearn.
Ildemaro Vargas is fighting for playing time behind Arizona’s reliable middle infield of Nick Ahmed and Ketel Marte. His dozen hits in 29 at-bats equates to a .414 spring average.
Zach McKinstry is rated as only the Dodgers’ 20th best prospect, but he may be moving up on the list. In 27 spring appearances, McKinstry has 11 hits, five for extra bases including two home runs.
His .407 batting average is accompanied by a .448 on-base average and a 1.226 OPS. McKinstry won’t make the team, but he’s radar-screening himself for a possible mid-season callup.