Cubs' Bryant to make spring debut in left field Thursday

Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant, a natural third baseman, said earlier this spring he's looking forward to the challenge of playing the outfield.

After weeks of drills, the 23-year-old will get his first chance to demonstrate his defensive versatility when he makes his Cactus League debut in left field Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels.

"I want to get him out there (in left field),'' manager Joe Maddon told Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune. "He did the work. (Coach) Davey Martinez liked how he looked a lot. Talking to Kris on a one-on-one level; he really wants a chance to play out there, which I kind of like. That makes it a little bit easier.

"My biggest concern always with infielders going to the outfield and vice versa is arm … that you would hurt your arm. Normally when a guy goes from the infield to the outfield, he chooses to throw with a longer arm stroke to get more length on the throw. My advice is to try not to do anything differently."

Though Maddon remains eager to see how Bryant fares in the outfield, it's the youngster's offense that has generated headlines this spring. Selected with the second pick in the 2013 draft, Bryant leads the major leagues with nine home runs through 11 Cactus League games, while his immediate future with the Cubs remains one of the most contentious storylines of spring training.