Mahtook ready to compete for job in 2017

ST. PETERSBURG — Mikie Mahtook is ready to state his case.

Yes, the Rays have made it clear that they are seeking outfield help, specifically for left field. Mahtook doesn’t take exception to the organization looking to bolster the outfield mix — he’s just ready to compete for the job come spring.

“I think competition makes your team better,” Mahtook said. “I think the more competition you have, the less complacency you have.’

Mahtook came to the Rays in the first round of the 2011 Draft, when they selected the outfielder from LSU with the 31st pick. Not until the fall of 2015 did his selection begin to show results at the Major League level. Mahtook’s final callup (of six in ’15) came on Sept. 1, and from that point on, he was the Rays’ best offensive player.

Mahtook hit .356 that September, which was the second-highest average ever posted by a Tampa Bay rookie in a calendar month, trailing Rocco Baldelli in April 2003 (.368).

Included in Mahtook’s September run were five home runs in his final 23 at-bats, and on Sept. 18 against the Orioles, he set a Rays rookie record with five hits, going 5-for-5 with two doubles.

Mahtook finished 2015 …

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