Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the New York Yankees starting shortstop in 2022, began his new role as a utilityman last Friday, starting in center field in the spring training game against the Detroit Tigers.

As the fight for the starting shortstop role continues with rookie Anthony Volpe flourishing this spring and the possibility of rookie Oswald Peraza winning the spot, the Bombers are looking to use IKF’s versatility elsewhere. Their staring center fielder Harrison Bader will miss the beginning season due to an oblique injury.  

Kiner-Falefa has also played third base, second base, and shortstop this spring.

Although the 27-year-old has not played center field since a Double-A game in 2017, he had six promising innings out in center.

Kiner-Falefa caught the first two outs of the game, retiring Austin Meadows and Jonathan Schoop on routine fly balls. He seemed to appear natural in the new position, although some inexperience was shown in mistakes on the correct place to throw the ball, misreading positioning cards, and alignment issues.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Kiner-Falefa for his athleticism and felt starting in center was a “good start” for him.

Kiner-Falefa is looking to bounce back from a mediocre first season in pinstripes, helping the team win in any way he can.