A-Rod To Be Tested At First Base During Spring Training

Returning after a full season suspension, no one knows what to expect from Alex Rodriguez in the upcoming 2015 season. Many people thought that he would return to his roots at third base, but there are doubts as to whether the 39-year-old will be able to play that position with authority. This is why Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman thinks it will not hurt to do some experimenting during spring training. 

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

At a meeting last week, Brian Cashman announced that the Yankees plan on testing A-Rod at first base. While the Yankees will still need to go out and get another third basemen, they also are in need of a backup first basemen as well. Mark Teixeira was in and out of the lineup this past season due to wrist  and leg injuries, and it isn’t guaranteed that he will be able to fill that position everyday.

“We’re going to get him exposed to [first base],” Brian Cashman told Ken Davidoff of Newsday “It doesn’t mean he’ll be a viable option. But we just want to test the waters on it.”

Rodriguez has never played anywhere else besides shortstop and third base throughout his entire career. The Yankees are worried about how much of a factor his two surgically-repaired hips will play in him being able to move on the left side of the field. Who knows, putting him at first base could be a blessing in disguise.