Dietrich could shift around outfield plans
JUPITER — Derek Dietrich has been a Marlin his whole career, yet on the field, he’s often been on the move.
A utility infielder the majority of his five majorleague seasons, Dietrich has seen action at first, second and third base.
This year, the Marlins are looking to give Dietrich a more permanent home in their revamped outfield.
But that doesn’t mean just because Dietrich might be an everyday starter consistently for the first time in his career, the Marlins won’t keep him moving around.
Manager Don Mattingly recently hinted that Dietrich, projected to be the Marlins’ starting left fielder to open the season alongside Lewis Brinson and Cameron Maybin, could also play some right field, depending on the situation and could even see some shifting sides in the outfield, even within an inning.
Mattingly said he wants Dietrich, who has only played left field in four major-league games to get as acclimated as possible to playing both sides of the outfield, just in case.
“It’s something we want to be prepared for,” Mattingly said. “There’s been talk about it in the past and I think you have to be at least ready for it. It also depends who’s out there. If you have three premium defenders out there and they’re all good defenders. Not taking away anything from (Dietrich), but Cam (Maybin) and Dietrich, there’s a difference.
“We’ve talked a little bit about flipping him during an inning if it was a true situation where a guy will hit a lot more balls to left. I want to make sure Dietrich is comfortable in right field.”
Dietrich might still see time at third base or another infield position should the need arise during the season, but Mattingly said he’d primarily like to keep him playing in left field.
Dietrich is having a solid spring at the plate, going 10 for 30 with two home runs entering Thursday. Dietrich said recently he has simplified his approach.
“It’s going to sound funny, but I’m just looking to hit hard line drives every single time I’m at the plate,” Dietrich said. “Take my best swing, hit a hard line drive, head-high through the infield. Obviously, you assess the situation and what you need to do, but as far as simplifying it, hitting hard line drives.
“(It’s) the value of the versatile player these days,” Dietrich said. “I’m watching around the league, they want guys to be versatile and be athletic, and play all over. That’s what I’ve always put myself in position to do, play multiple positions, keep my bat in the lineup. You can see the league is going towards that. Because I can play the outfield, I’m playing every day now. I just love playing baseball and I’m up to any task that helps the team win.”