MESA, Ariz. – Two of the A’s top three prospects figure to see considerable playing times Saturday when Oakland opens the Cactus League season with a game against the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs.
Third baseman Matt Chapman will be in manager Bob Melvin’s starting lineup and the manager said he plans to get Barreto into the game early on.
Barreto is the club’s top-ranked prospect and Chapman is third, according to BaseballAmerica.
“It’s nice for some of the younger guys,” Melvin said. There is likely to be a sellout crowd and Melvin wouldn’t be surprised if the World Series trophy made an appearance.