MIAMI – If there’s an upside to Anthony Rizzo’s ailing back, manager Joe Maddon said, it’s the chance to see Contreras at first – and that might only be the beginning for the athletic and versatile hitter.
“The way we’re going with the injuries that we’ve had, to get a young guy coming up swinging the bat well, [it’s a chance] to try to fit him in and then make sure the other guys catch, too,” Maddon said of Contreras, who started behind the plate Monday and Tuesday. “If we could get him in another position, it could free a lot of things up and help us.”
That’s why the Cubs plan to have Contreras get some work in the outfield, as they did with catcher Kyle Schwarber when the lefty hitter was promoted from the minors at midseason last year.
“Almost like the program Schwarber was on, minus the first base [in Schwarber’s case],” Maddon said.
Contreras, who played first base 21 times in the minors, said he’ll play anywhere Maddon says – including shortstop (he sounded serious).
“I’m going to be ready to play every day, any position, to help the team,” said Contreras, who has been told he’ll take flies in the outfield in pregame work Friday if he’s not in the lineup behind the plate. “That way I can help the team play in the outfield, playing first base, playing third base, playing anywhere. I just want to win games.”
He has played every position but shortstop, center field and pitcher since originally signing as an amateur free agent with the Cubs as a third baseman in 2009.
“He is a good athlete,” Maddon said. “I’m not afraid to look at any of that stuff. We’ll just get him some work, get him out there, and see what we think.”
