Dec. 04--In an effort to increase his versatility and perhaps give the Chicago Cubs another option, Javier Baez will play center field in Puerto Rico in a few weeks.
President Theo Epstein revealed that Baez, 23, who has played shortstop throughout most of his career before moving to second base in 2014 and making stints at third and first, will receive work in center for Santurce in the Puerto Rican League.
Baez, who currently faces a logjam with Addison Russell at shortstop and Starlin Castro at second, will start practicing in center under the supervision of former Cubs player Doug Dascenzo, who serves as the minor outfield/baserunning coordinator.
The Cubs are searching for help in center field in the likely event free agent Dexter Fowler signs with another team.
Baez went 1-for-3 with a walk and strikeout while playing shortstop in his winter debut for Santurce.
"It will be fun to take a look at him," Epstein said.
