When the Los Angeles Dodgers take the field for batting practice prior to a regular season game, it’s not uncommon to see players at unusual positions. In some instances, it’s to get a player acquainted with a new position they are slated for or likely to play.
That was the case last season for Chase Utley, who worked on fielding grounders at third base once Howie Kendrick was nearing a return from the disabled list. This season, Kendrick has gotten work in left field as he’s started five games there (including Wednesday).
Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw has been known to use batting practice as an opportunity to kick the tires on playing second base and shortstop. Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Yasiel Puig took grounders at third.
Puig worked with Charlie Culberson, appearing to give him some pointers before making deep throws to manager Dave Roberts at first base, via J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:
Last April, the Dodgers had Puig come in from right field to play third base as part of a five-man infield during the bottom of the 10th inning of a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was to no avail as Ender Inciarte hit the first pitch he saw for a walk-off RBI single to right.
