Nick Swisher has not had a very good season, his second as the Indians’ full-time first baseman. He has not only struggled at the plate, but has been hampered by injuries and played poor defense at first. As a result, Indians GM Chris Antonelli suggested Swisher could move back to the outfield next season.
Via Paul Hoynes on Cleveland.com:“Just to rewind a little bit . . .the plan coming into this season was for Nick to play a lot of first base. So he prepared in the offseason and spring training to do that and not play a lot outfield.
“Going into next year the plan could be different. Giving him that head’s up and allowing him the offseason to go out and prepare to be an outfielder, come into camp, get the reps in the outfield that will prepare him better for the season.”
Swisher has played some outfield this season, including starts in each of the last two games, but hasn’t played there regularly since 2012, his last season with the Yankees. The 33-year-old will be entering the second year of a four-year, $56 million contract signed with the Indians in December 2012.
