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Josh Bell Reacts to Getting More Time in the Outfield

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INDIANAPOLIS — He had not played in the outfield in more than a year, but Josh Bell made a seemingly easy transition back.

Well, for at least two plays. It was a slow night for one of the organization’s top prospects in his somewhat surprising move back to the outfield.

Bell started in right field against Lehigh Valley on Monday. It was the first time he had played in the outfield since August 2014. During his brief promotion to the Pirates recently, Bell made an impressive first impression by reaching safely in all four plate appearances. Of course, this was highlighted by a pinch-hit grand slam.

But before he was sent back down to Triple-A Indianapolis, Bell sat down with Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, general manager Neal Huntington, and assistant general manager Kyle Stark. They wanted Bell to get familiar again with the outfield.

“I think that obviously their thinking that we would like to get him back up there,” Indianapolis manager Dean Treanor said, “and if he can play the outfield, too, that’s a bonus. I think it’s a bonus for him.”

Bell is fine with playing in the outfield. He has no problem playing first base. After missing most of his first professional season with the West Virginia Power in 2012, Bell doesn’t really care where he plays on the field.

“As long as I get in between the lines I’m happy with wherever I’m at,” Bell said. “From being hurt four years ago, whenever I can get between the lines I’m a happy camper.”

Bell said he anticipates playing in the outfield once or twice in a week. Treanor said Bell will be back at first base on Tuesday, but on days Bell is not starting in the outfield, he will get work out there prior to games.

The position should be a fairly easy one to transition back into, as Bell played in the outfield for his entire career before being switched to first base prior to the 2015 season.

“He just needs to get used to it and used to the angles off the bat,” Treanor said. “He’s so used to balls coming at him faster. I don’t think it’s going to be a big deal. We’re going to get him some extra work out there so it is as seamless as we can make it.”

Bell only had to make two plays against Lehigh Valley on Monday. He caught a flyout while ranging toward center field. Later in the game, Lehigh Valley’s David Lough hit a double down the right field line. The ball bounced out of the visiting bullpen and Bell fielded the ball cleanly, hitting the cutoff man near first base.

Both plays were relatively simple, but at the same time Bell executed them cleanly.

Bell’s work back in the outfield didn’t just start tonight. He also recently caught some balls in the outfield prior to a game against Washington while with the Pirates.

“I’m taking my time to read the flight of the ball, instead of trying to make the play right off the bat,” Bell said. “Read the fly first and take a half second. That was what I was working on in Washington and tonight, just trying to see flight before I take my first step, so to keep my head down.”

Bell may be used in right field if Gregory Polanco goes on the disabled list. If Polanco can stay off the disabled list, then the outfield would give Bell some extra playing time when he eventually gets called back to the majors. Bell shouldn’t need too much work to get back up to speed at a position he played most of his early professional career.

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