In an exercise similar to what the Red Sox are doing every once in a while this spring with David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez, the Royals will give first baseman Eric Hosmer some time in right field this spring. In fact, it's happening Friday. “We’re going to put him in there in the back end of the game,” manager Ned Yost said prior to the Friday's game (kansascity.com). “I’m going to try to get him in the right field, or the outfield, three times this spring. I just want him to have some experience out there."
The rationale is that when interleague play hits, there's no spot open for designated hitter Billy Butler. If Hosmer can be playable in right, Butler can play first base and maximize the Royals' offense.
Every inning Hosmer played last season, his rookie year, was at first. Every inning he played in the minors, from 2008 through 23 games last year, was at first.
Butler appeared in 11 games at first base last season and didn't make a single error. Still, his range is questionable.
The best bet is this is a "just in case" scenario and that Butler has to sit most of the interleague games. But with all-season interleague play beginning in 2013, expect DH-only guys like Ortiz and Butler to be forced to practice with a glove more and more often moving forward.
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