The Rays signed Pat Burrell to be their primary DH, but Burrell has seen some time in the outfield this spring and now he's taking reps at first base.
PORT CHARLOTTE - OF Pat Burrell is working out at first base this morning. Rays Manager Joe Maddon said Burrell worked there briefly earlier in the spring but he’s getting some extended work there today.
“We actually started that several days ago,’’ Maddon said of working Burrell at first base. “It’s something we discussed in the offseason.’’ --RaysReport
Burrell began his professional career as a first basemen and played 58 games at first for the Phillies in his rookie season back in 2000. He has not played the position since. We all know Maddon likes roster flexibility and this move will help get Burrell re-acclimated to the position should Maddon need to use him there in a pinch. Most of Burrell's playing time will still come as the DH with the occasional adventure into the field. With Carlos Pena and Willy Aybar ahead of him on the first base depth chart, I wouldn't plan on seeing much of Bat Burrell at the position. However, it doesn't hurt to have a backup plan to your backup plan.