At first glance, the starting lineup for the Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday night seemed relatively normal. Ketel Marte was atop the batting order in his customary leadoff spot.
Upon second look, there was something very different. Instead of the No. 6 being listed as his position for the shortstop prospect, there was a No. 8, and it wasn’t a typo.
When the Rainiers took the field at Cheney Stadium, Marte jogged out to center field.
It was the first time that he started a game in the outfield in his career. In 435 games, he had played only shortstop (357), second baseman (76) and DH (1).