Can Mark Mathias make the Brewers Opening Day roster?

Milwaukee Brewers utility man Mark Mathias has been making his case for a roster spot in the early Spring Training games. Could he play his way into a role on the Opening Day roster?

When the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Mark Mathias from the Cleveland Indians before the Rule V draft, it looked like he might have a path to a roster spot. Three months later and after about a dozen roster moves, Mathias appeared ticketed to start the year at Triple-A. However, he’s been appearing just about everywhere for the Brewers this Spring. Can he work his way into a spot on the active roster?

How has Mathias performed?

Mathias has appeared in six games for the Brewers this spring, and owns a .214/.214/.214 slash line. In 14 plate appearances, Mathias has one run scored, three RBIs, and a pair of stolen bases.

He’s also been appearing all over the diamond. From diving catches in the outfield to routine plays in the infield, Mathias has been working his way into the lineup any way he can.

Can He hit better than he is now?

He slashed .269/.355/.442 in 115 games at Triple-A last year for the Cleveland Indians organization, so yes, he can hit better than he is now. It also helps that he’s averaged a walk rate over 10% for each of the past three years in the Minors.

Can Mathias make the roster?

It’s great to see Mathias making the extra effort, but the addition of Brock Holt to the active roster meant that Mathias would start the year in Triple-A. The only way Mathias makes the roster right now is if there are injuries to Holt, Eric Sogard, or Jedd Gyorko…or multiple injuries to multiple players in the Brewers infield.

Mathis has clearly made an impression in camp, and he has a spot on the 40-man roster. If there’s an injury to the infield, the Brewers are liking to ask Mathias to make the trip from San Antonio to wherever the team is playing. He may stick around late into camp, but it’s going to take an injury or several injuries to get Mathias on the active roster. He’ll likely be up at some point, but it won’t be right away.