Blue Jays manager John Gibbons is keeping Russell Martin on his toes.
Two days after the veteran catcher started at shortstop for the first time in his MLB career, Martin will try another new position, left field, in Monday's matinee against the Boston Red Sox.
Opener on this #MemorialDay #BlueJays #RedSox pic.twitter.com/oitUkSpj5j
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) May 28, 2018
The 35-year-old has played outfield just once in his 13 MLB seasons, logging 5.2 innings in right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013. He now faces the daunting positional challenge posed by Fenway Park's Green Monster.
Gibbons told reporters before the game that the move, which seemed to surprise veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson, was made so Toronto could get another right-handed bat in the lineup against Boston lefty David Price.
On decision to put Martin LF, Gibbons said: “lefty on the mound..right handed bat..get him in there.” Asked if Martin will ever play 1B, “we already have 2 first baseman.”
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) May 28, 2018
Asked if Martin will ever play CF, Gibbons chuckles, “ it’s not over yet.”
Martin, who has also played third base four times this year, is batting .165 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 36 games this season.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.