PEORIA, Ariz. -- For about half of all Major Leaguers, hitting is a full-time job. For Christian Bethancourt right now, it's more of an afterthought.
The 25-year-old has been transitioning into the role of a pitcher/catcher/outfielder hybrid this spring. And considering he has spent his entire life as a hitter, Bethancourt has kept his focus, understandably, on the pitching side of things in camp.
• Spring Training:Info | Tickets | Schedule | Gear
"It's been less time hitting than years before," Bethancourt said. "But the only [days] I don't hit are when I'm actually pitching in the game."
Bethancourt has received just seven plate appearances in the Cactus League. His walk-off homer Friday night against the Rangers was his first hit, and he's admittedly still shaking off rust at the dish.
In the meantime, Bethancourt has appeared in five Cactus League games as a pitcher, holding opponents to a run on two hits and three walks over five innings. Given the circumstances, his roster prospects won't be determined by his performance at the plate this spring.
"Pitching has obviously been the priority," Padres manager Andy Green said. "So with that in mind, all the activity has been designed to get him on the mound consistently. His work at the plate, we saw it last night, it's still there."
Green added that the Padres plan to get Bethancourt extra at-bats in back-field games over the next week. For now, Bethancourt will continue to receive regular reps in the cages and in batting practice, backing off on days he's scheduled to pitch.
There's an argument to be made that Bethancourt's plate approach is being impacted positively by his time spent on the mound.
"You're never going to know exactly what the pitcher is thinking," Bethancourt said. "It might help a bit, being a catcher and a pitcher, because I've got to think like both guys. That's a little advantage."
Bethancourt is one of three catchers competing for the role of primary backup to Austin Hedges. Also in the conversation are Luis Torrens and Hector Sanchez.
Given his track record and the fact that he's out of options, Bethancourt is the early favorite for the No. 2 catcher role. But it's likely the Padres carry three backstops and they could carry as many as four.