MLB Rumors: Andre Ethier could play first base for Los Angeles Dodgers

One of the questions of the moment for the Los Angeles Dodgers is just what the heck they are going to do with all of those outfielders.

Part of their dilemma might be solved by the simple fact that all four outfielders, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, and Yasiel Puig, are all seldom healthy at the same time. But in the event that all four are active and playing at a high level, the Dodgers have to figure out how to create enough at-bats for all of them or get creative about a different solution (i.e. a trade).

The guy who offers the most options in terms of versatility is Ethier. In addition to having him move around all three spots in the outfield, the Dodgers reportedly might explore using him at first base. From the LA Times:

"Ethier said the idea of moving him to first base as part of a late-game double switch has been discussed with him. He hasn’t practiced at first base but said with a smile, ‘I’m going to do it the way I did center field last year, just go out and do it.'”"

In the abstract this makes sense, but with All-Star Adrian Gonzalez in place at first base it’s hard to imagine too many scenarios where this kind of double switch could be called for. Nevertheless, Ethier’s versatility will be key for the Dodgers if they retain all four outfielders.