Wilkerson willing to play anywhere in super-utility role

SARASOTA, Fla. - On the Stevie Wilkerson bingo card, make sure to mark all of the positions he's played and hope they fall in a row.

Wilkerson started in right field yesterday against the Red Sox in Fort Myers and shifted to second base in the fourth inning. He's also played left field and first base in exhibition games.

The card doesn't allow for positions where he's worked out. Otherwise, a chip would be placed over shortstop, third base and center field.

The former eighth-round pick out of Clemson University started at first base in the first exhibition game and he pinch-hit and played second base the following day. He subbed at second base on Feb. 25 and handled left field the next day.

Where he starts, nobody knows.

There was the appearance at first base on Wednesday, the incredibly rare day off and the start at second base on Friday. Yesterday expanded his position palate.

"I feel comfortable at each spot right now," Wilkerson said yesterday morning before heading to the bus for the trip to Fort Myers.

Manager Brandon Hyde is preaching the importance of versatility and he's been moving guys as if they're on wheels. Wilkerson has no reason to fight it, understanding that his chances of making the club out of spring training increase the more positions he's able to play.

He isn't stupid.

"I don't think it's hurting," he said before giving the Orioles an early lead with a two-run single in the second inning. "I think the more versatility you bring to the table the better. So far this camp I've been moved around a lot, so it's been good."

The desire to become an everyday player hasn't been extinguished, but Wilkerson will take a utility role in the majors over a set position in Triple-A. His competition includes Rule 5 pick Drew Jackson, who also has moved around the infield and outfield.

"One hundred percent, yeah," Wilkerson said. "I think everyone wants to be on the field as much as you can be on the field, but I think at the same time I want to do whatever role fits best for this team. If that's playing a backup utility role or whatever that role is, I'm all in."

Wilkerson ranged into right-center field yesterday to catch Jackie Bradley Jr.'s fly ball and strand two runners in the third inning. He called off center fielder Cedric Mullins. Smooth as silk.

The extent of Wilkerson's experience in right field as a professional is eight starts among his 11 appearances in the minors. One start came last summer with Triple-A Norfolk.

The trickiest position for Wilkerson?

"Probably first base just because the footwork of finding the bag and getting used to the glove a little bit," he said. "I think that's presented the most challenges, but like I said before, I feel comfortable everywhere."