Mookie Betts starting at second base for 1st time since 2014

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts is trying to add some infield versatility to his all-world resume.

In a surprising move, the Dodgers penciled Betts - normally their right fielder - in at second base for Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It marks just the 16th time Betts will appear at the keystone in the majors. He last started at second base as a rookie with the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 28, 2014. His most recent turn at the position was a six-inning emergency stint two years ago.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained it was Betts who approached him about moving to second a few weeks ago, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

The move provides the Dodgers - who are known for fielding many multi-positional players - with "optionality" heading into the playoffs, Roberts said, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. Betts could get looks at second base if certain "crazy" situations arose in the postseason, Roberts added, per Plunkett.

Betts is likely to start at least one more game at second in the regular season, and he may switch to the infield midway through other games, according to Gurnick.

Though he's now a superstar outfielder who provides elite defense at his position, Betts was drafted and developed as an infielder in Boston. He moved to the outfield after reaching the majors in 2014 because then-Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia was blocking him at second.

The 27-year-old is slashing .307/.380/.613 with 14 homers, 33 RBIs, and six steals in his first season with the Dodgers. Defensively, Betts leads all right fielders with eight defensive runs saved.