Royals lineup changed up to test versatility

Royals manager Ned Yost jumbled up his defensive configuration for Sunday’s game against the Cubs in Mesa. Nori Aoki started in center field, Lorenzo Cain started in right and Danny Valencia started at second.

The team is interested in seeing how Aoki handles the position. Versatility is a critical skill for this roster.

"We’re trying to just see what he looks like out there," Yost said. "Like we want to see Valencia at second. We’ll move those guys around. I know Cain can play all three positions. I know Dyson can play all three. I know Maxwell can play all three. But we’ll look at Maxwell some at center, too. Just to see what we’ve got."

Here is the lineup, with Wade Davis on the mound:

1. Nori Aoki, CF.

2. Danny Valencia, 2B.

3. Eric Hosmer, 1B.

4. Justin Maxwell, DH.

5. Mike Moustakas, 3B.

6. Carlos Peguero, LF.

7. Lorenzo Cain, RF.

8. Brett Hayes, C

9. Pedro Ciriaco, SS

Following Davis: Yordano Ventura, John Lamb, Francisley Bueno, P.J. Walters, Jon Rauch, Scott Alexander, Michael Mariot.

This story was originally published March 2, 2014 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Royals lineup changed up to test versatility."