Espinosa working out at shortstop

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals switch-hitter Danny Espinosa is battling Anthony Rendon for the starting second-base job; however, during the team's first full-squad workout on Thursday, Espinosa was working out at shortstop.

If Espinosa becomes a utility infielder for the Major League team, he will be Ian Desmond's backup. Espinosa said he didn't have a problem working out at shortstop, a position he played while he was in college.

"I love taking my groundballs at short," Espinosa said. "It's a fun place take groundballs because it's more challenging. You get used to your feet a little bit more. You work around balls at different angles. I like being over there. I really enjoy it."

Espinosa does not know how many games he will play at shortstop this spring, but manager Matt Williams said Espinosa will get a lot of playing time between the two positions.