San Diego Padres designated hitter Jorge Ona blasted a towering two-run home run in the sixth inning to tie the game 4-4 against the Mariners in the team's spring debut on Sunday. Ona is in a four-way battle for the final spot on the team's bench with Brian O'Grady, Luis Campusano and Jorge Mateo. Ona doesn't bring much in terms of corner-outfield defense, but the Padres might not care for their last bench spot, considering their versatility elsewhere. Ona qualifies as a pinch-hit power threat, and they could use a player of his caliber without the designated hitter in the National League in 2021. "Seeing him drive the ball into the wind today we know he's got big-time power," said Padres manager Jayce Tingler. Ona won't be on the fantasy radar, even if he makes the big-league squad out of spring training.
Jorge Ona Making Debut, Luis Patino Sent To Alternate Site
The San Diego Padres called up outfielder Jorge Ona ahead of Mondays contest against the Colorado Rockies. The 23-year-old will serve as designated hitter and bat seventh in his major league debut. To make room, reliever Luis Patino was optioned to the alternate site. Oa played in just 25 Double-A games last year but registered a .957 OPS with five homers. Hell provide depth for the Friars thin outfield corps. Patio, the teams No. 3 prospect, debuted this season but scuffled with a 5.52 ERA and was sparingly used. The 20-year-old fireballer is a potential call-up for a playoff run. Patio is a premium dynasty piece but holds minimal value in redraft formats.
