GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A situation could arise during the season when Tyler Saladino plays all nine positions in the same game for the White Sox. It's an even greater possibility he'll cover eight in the course of the upcoming campaign.
Saladino has played every spot but pitcher and catcher for at least one out in a Major League game and caught a Spring Training bullpen session from Spencer Adams a few weeks ago. Saladino even threw a little to catcher Kevan Smith this week, mixing in some changeups.
"If I'm needed, I'll be out there," a smiling Saladino said. "Do whatever it takes."
During the course of his two Major League seasons, Saladino has played 70 games at third, 43 at shortstop and 41 at second. Saladino figures to be the Opening Day second baseman, but he understands versatility is key in regard to team focus.
Yolmer Sanchez can play from third to second and has taken some fly balls in the outfield this spring. Leury Garcia, another strong Opening Day roster candidate, plays all three outfield spots and every infield spot but first.
That flexibility affords White Sox manager Rick Renteria a number of day-to-day options, tied in with his desire to rotate players through designated hitter.
"We can get all over the place, so it just opens up so many different avenues and ways of going about things," Saladino said. "I mean, there are switch-hitters, and defensively they can play all over.
"You just try to work with each other every day. We are all taking care of each spot out there."
In 2014, Saladino underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The injury occurred when Saladino was playing left field, and he felt something in his arm when throwing out a runner at the plate, according to reports at that time.
But preparation has become the key, and the safety measure for Saladino, who has done consistent outfield work along with everything else.
"I'm making sure to play catch, and lengthen it out," said Saladino, pointing to the outfield glove in his locker. "That was the difference back when I did get hurt.
"Playing the infield my whole life, and then all of a sudden making a lot longer throws. I learned from that, and work on keeping those throws in during practice."
Not only does Saladino possess versatility and ability, hitting .282 with eight homers in 2016, but he has resonated with the fan base and has a confidence gained from being established. He's using that experience to help others.
"Every single year, you learn from the previous year and the previous Spring Training, and you take what is going on with the team and the organization as far as this year goes," Saladino said. "But I play a little bit different role around the clubhouse.
"Now, having a full year experience, it just helps to be able to be there for the guys that were in my shoes last year: Little things that can help any of those guys, like being able to answer those questions for them. And I love that part of it."