Although it appears unlikely, right fielder Mookie Betts could shift to second base when the World Series moves to a National League ballpark Friday.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora didn't rule out the possibility for when the Red Sox travel to play the Los Angeles Dodgers for Games 3, 4 and (if necessary) 5 and won't be able to use a designated hitter.
"I don't know, man," Cora said. "He already played second in the regular season. There's always a chance, I guess."
The first-year Red Sox manager was speaking about Aug. 3, when Betts played six innings at second base against the Yankees in New York after Ian Kinsler injured his hamstring.
Betts takes grounders before games during the regular season and was at the keystone for some work Saturday when Boston practiced at Fenway Park.
"He'll take ground balls as always. That's not gonna change,'' Cora said. "But obviously, we'll see who we play and matchups.''
Betts at second base in the World Series would allow Boston to shift regular designated hitter J.D. Martinez to right field while keeping left fielder Andrew Benintendi and center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. in the lineup.
"A.C. has never steered us wrong,'' Betts said of his manager. "Naturally, if he trusts me, then I should believe in myself. That's what it takes to win. I'll do whatever.''
Betts has familiarity with the position, having grown up playing second base and having seen 14 games (122 innings) there as a rookie in 2014. But Boston has veterans Kinsler and Brock Holt to play the position.
"We've got some pretty good second basemen. We've got some pretty good outfielders," Cora told reporters. "Like I said, we're in the World Series. That conversation was gonna come up. One thing for sure, J.D. will play. That's clear.
"We'll see which alignment is better, which lineup is better, and we'll make decisions accordingly."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.