Yesterday it was announced that Josh Bell will be playing in the Arizona Fall League, where he will play exclusively at first base.
While in Altoona, Bell had been taking reps before the games with infield coordinator Gary Green, until a bone bruise in his left knee caused him to sit out the last couple of weeks of the season. Bell said that his knee felt good, and that he was only a few days away before he can begin to ramp up his workouts.
“I’m taking a step back from the wear and tear, but it’s fundamentally and stably there, nothing to be too worried about and I’m going to be back out there in a couple of weeks,” Bell said Tuesday night.
The plan for Bell is to go to the Instructional League after the Double-A season comes to an end, and then head out to Arizona to participate in the Fall League. Bell is not worried about the time he’s missed at Altoona with this injury.
“Its awesome to [not] have a ‘season ending’ injury, because in two weeks I’m going to have some at bats in the Instructional League, and [I am going to] get some more out in the fall league.”
Bell is excited about the opportunity to play first base, saying that having the ability to play another position is going to work out in his favor.
“Just another place I can play and hopefully be a utility guy, and play everyday whether it be in the infield or the outfield, and keep my bat in the lineup.”
Bell said he has played a little first base growing up, and played shortstop up until he made his High School Varsity team. He said that his time in the infield gave him some experience with ground balls and being around the bag.
Some of the challenges Bell has to take on include being involved in more plays throughout the game and knowing where to be when the ball is hit to different spots of the field. But Bell says he is excited for these challenges.
“I’m excited to get out there [in Arizona] and do my thing, and hopefully learn all I can and be the best first baseman I can be. It boils down to another challenge that I’m ready to accept and dominate in the upcoming years.”
