Travis Ishikawa may have to play outfield to stay in MLB

Whatever it takes:Travis Ishikawa has played in 281 major-league games, all at first base. But, to make the Brewers’ roster, he’s probably going to have to show he can also play the outfield, a position he began playing seriously only last year in the minor leagues.

“I tell everybody I don’t think I’m going to win any Gold Gloves out there,” Ishikawa said. “But I definitely feel like I can make all the plays I need to make to help the club win.”  Ishikawa’s chances probably weren’t as good until Corey Hart needed right-knee surgery earlier in the week. With Hart not assured to be ready by April 6, the Brewers need help in the outfield as well as behind Mat Gamel at first.

Ishikawa is a considered a plus-defender at first. He’s expected to receive opportunities over the next few weeks in the outfield as he looks to build on the 34 games he split in left and right field with Class AAA Fresno last year.

“I started doing outfield stuff the last couple years because it was becoming apparent I wasn’t going to be the everyday first baseman in San Francisco,” said Ishikawa. “I wanted to give myself the best possible chance to help the team. The more positions you can play, it can only help the club and increase your chances of getting on the field.”

via Brewers’ Greinke thinking about his future – JSOnline.