Notes: Versatile Ivan De Jesús Jr. making an impression on Brewers
SURPRISE, Ariz. - As a player who's been on the fringes of major-league rosters for several years at the end of spring training, Ivan De Jesús Jr. is well aware of what he needs to do.
Make it tough on the decision-makers to get rid of him.
The 29-year-old utility infielder, in camp with the Milwaukee Brewers on a minor-league contract, has shined so far. He entered Saturday having played a team-high 20 games, hitting .405 with a .480 on-base percentage and OPS of 1.014 in addition to playing every infield position as well as in left field.
Still, it might not be enough.
There appear to be two available spots on Milwaukee's opening-day bench, and Jesús Aguilar probably has slugged his way into one of them. Scooter Gennett, who has spent the spring working on becoming a utility player himself, would seem to have a leg up on the other spot thanks in large part to the $2.525 million contract he signed with the team in early December.
"I know I have to do a little bit more to show them that I’m ready, but I’m just doing my thing," De Jesús acknowledged. "I know I’m a good baseball player. I’ve showed them I can play more positions — not only the infield but in left field.
"I’m really happy with the camp that I’ve been going through. But it’s not over yet."
RELATED: With no retirement plans, Uecker primed for another season
HAUDRICOURT: Final roster cuts not always final
GAME REPORT: Royals outlast Brewers in pitchers' duel
The Brewers were plenty familiar with De Jesús before signing him; he'd played 180 games over the previous two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. He played a career-high 104 games last season and was especially effective off the bench with a .294 average. De Jesús also played every infield spot and in left, and even toyed with catching for a brief time.
That type of versatility is valuable in the National League. It's also highly valued by manager Craig Counsell, who already has one Swiss knife on his roster in Hernán Pérez.
"I think his experience — really him and (Eric) Sogard — has really shined through in this camp as we’ve gotten going here," Counsell said of De Jesús. "It sticks out in a camp that’s not very experienced. You understand why they’ve been big-leaguers.
"I would say third base, to me, has been his best position this spring. But every infield position I’d be comfortable using him at, and I’d use him in the corners (in the outfield), for sure.
"Like Hernán."
De Jesús came into camp on an offensive roll, having played a short stint in the Puerto Rican Winter League and then being named most valuable hitter in the Caribbean Series. De Jesús hit an even .500 with four runs batted in and an OPS of 1.242 in helping Puerto Rico past Mexico.
De Jesús entered Saturday on a three-game hitting streak and has posted multi-hit games in three of his last five. He went 3 for 3 with an RBI and run scored against the Reds on Friday, and his 17 hits are tied with Keon Broxton for third-most on the Brewers.
With camp wrapping up Wednesday, De Jesús said the Brewers have to let him know no later than Thursday whether he'll be on the 25-man roster. If he isn't, his agent will be allowed to try and land him a major-league job elsewhere. If that doesn't pan out, De Jesús would open at Class AAA Colorado Springs.
"I’ve been in this situation my last 4-5 years," De Jesús said. "The decision they make, I don’t have any control. I only know I wear the Milwaukee Brewers uniform right now, but I’m playing for 29 teams that are outside watching me that need a utility player for the big leagues.
"I know I can play in the big leagues. The last two years I showed that I can come off the bench. Just waiting for the moment. I leave everything in God’s hands. If it happens, thank you, and if not I’ll just go to Triple-A or wherever He wants me to go and do my thing."
BREWERS LIVE: Follow Haudricourt & Rosiak on Twitter all season
RELATED: Brewers spring training dates, facts
BY POSITION SERIES: SP | C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | LF | CF | RF | RP | BENCH
Scorching hot: It has become a source of both amusement and amazement in camp. Oh, another hit for Aguilar? What else is new?
That’s how crazy it has been watching the slugging first baseman swing the bat for the Brewers in his quest to win a roster spot. Entering the game against Kansas City, Aguilar was batting .500 (23 for 46) with five home runs, 13 RBI and a 1.457 OPS.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a spring like this,” outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis said. “It’s like 2, 2 1/2 weeks (of at-bats) during a season. You don’t really see that very often.
“And it’s not like he’s starting every day. It’s also off the bench, right-handed and left-handed (pitchers). Nothing fazes him. It has been a lot of fun to watch.”
Aguilar, 26, claimed off waivers from Cleveland on Feb. 2, is out of minor-league options but has not been told if he will make the roster. So, despite his remarkable showing, there has been no celebrating.
“It has helped my confidence, knowing I’m going to be out there every day,” he said. “I’ve been feeling good at the plate and swing the bat well. I’ve tried to go up the middle with everything.
“They haven’t said anything to me yet. I just have to keep doing my job. I’m just trying to battle the pitcher and have good at-bats. There’s nothing I can do about (the roster decision). I’ve been through this before with Cleveland. I can’t really worry about it. I just have to keep playing hard.”