D-backs’ Martin Prado could start season in left field
Mar 28, 2013, 10:05 PM | Updated: 10:16 pm
In 2012, the Arizona Diamondbacks used eight different starting third basemen.
After swinging an offseason trade for Martin Prado from Atlanta, they figured the position was shored up for 2013. But that might not be the case — at least to start the season.
Injuries to outfielders Cody Ross (calf) and Adam Eaton (elbow) will ensure they’ll start the season on the disabled list, meaning a versatile player like Prado could be called on to contribute in the outfield.
“It’s possible,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said Thursday about the possibility of Prado starting the season in left field. “It is possible. We’re cosidering both options.”
Those options are to start Prado at third base and Jason Kubel, Gerardo Parra and A.J. Pollock in the outfield, or to move Prado to left with Parra and Pollock and start veteran Eric Chavez at third.
To complicate issues, Kubel has been bothered by discomfort in his left ankle. He played in minor league games Wednesday and Thursday.
“Kubel’s health has something to do with that whole equation,” Gibson stated. “(Wednesday) when hit hit, he ran the bases and everything, so if something happens that isn’t encouraging then maybe even if Kubel’s stellar healthy, then maybe he becomes a bat off the bench and I put Chavez and Prado out there.
“But I hope Kubel’s healthy.”
Prado does have experience in left — he started 111 games there for the Braves last year.
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