Versatility helping Amezaga's case with Dodgers

MESA, Ariz. -- Four games, five positions -- such is the life of Dodgers utility man Alfredo Amezaga.

He has spent the first week of Spring Training games bouncing all over the diamond. On Wednesday it was second base. On Monday it was third. Over the weekend, he played all three outfield spots in a span of two days.

"It's very fun," said Amezaga, a non-roster invitee who played in the Cubs' system in 2012. "You've got to be very prepared. It's always on my mind. You have a lot of plays where [you have to know] where to go."

It's only helping his big league case. The 35-year-old Mexican journeyman has impressed manager Don Mattingly with his versatility.

"I like this guy," Mattingly said. "He's not the kid he was before, but he's a guy who does bring some stuff to the table."

Amezaga was invited to play for his native Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic but opted to stay in Dodgers camp in hopes of winning a roster spot. Still, that would appear to be a long shot for Amezaga, who would likely need an injury to clear room on the bench.

Amezaga hit .274 with six homers and 12 steals for Triple-A Iowa last season. He has played for five big league clubs, the last one being Florida in 2011.