When Felipe Lopez found out before the season he would not be the Washington Nationals’ regular second baseman, he vowed he wouldn’t miss his chance to impress the team when he had one.
Playing left field wasn’t quite what Lopez had in mind. In fact, he still doesn’t consider it the best way to prove his worth. But the Lopez-in-left experiment has gone surprisingly well.
A second baseman by trade, Lopez has recorded seven putouts and an assist without an error in four outfield starts. He had no prior experience in the outfield — “Little League doesn’t count,” he said — and doesn’t figure to see much more time there once Elijah Dukes and Wily Mo Pena come off the disabled list.
But Lopez has provided a valuable stopgap in the outfield. His infielder’s instincts have translated to the new position, best shown on Saturday when he fielded a tough hop on a single and forced out Troy Glaus at third.
The extra starts also have given him the at-bats he hopes will pull him out of a slump that has lingreed since spring training; he went 2-for-3 with his first RBI of the season and a stolen base against the Marlins on Monday.
“I’m not a left fielder. I’m just filling in,” Lopez said. “I have no problem filling in. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I just continue to work hard and keep being ready.”
Lopez lost the second base job to Ronnie Belliard this spring, and his name has come up in trade rumors involving the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles. He said on March 18 he would not accept a spot on the bench, but his change of heart has gotten him noticed.
“I’ve been the most impressed by his attitude,” general manager Jim Bowden said. “He’s been a complete team player through all of this.”
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