NEW YORK — Jorge Mateo first learned how fast he was as a 7-year-old in his Dominican hometown of Santo Domingo, when he finished first in a race among his peers. Orioles coach Fredi González came to the realization nearly two decades later, seeing Mateo’s stolen base totals among his minor league stats after Baltimore claimed him on waivers.
Since arriving after the San Diego Padres designated him for assignment last month, Mateo has continually displayed his quick feet, capitalizing on the opportunity the Orioles have provided him. Of late, the power has come, too. In Friday night’s seventh inning, Mateo hit a game-tying home run in his first game at Yankee Stadium, the home of the organization that once considered him its top prospect.