NEW YORK -- Buried on the bench because of the New York Mets' outfield depth, Alejandro De Aza has started working out at first base in an attempt to give the team more flexibility and increase his playing time.
De Aza received instruction from infield coach Tim Teufel before Thursday's series finale against the Washington Nationals.
Manager Terry Collins said De Aza recently approached him, saying he had played 30 minor-league games at first base. (One database lists only one game at the position, in the South Atlantic League in 2004.