Versatile Bryant starts at first base for Cubs

Kris Bryant was in unfamiliar territory on Friday when the Chicago Cubs played the Philadelphia Phillies, making just his second career start - and first of the season - at first base.

Manager Joe Maddon wanted to give regular starter Anthony Rizzo two consecutive days of rest - the Cubs were off Thursday - so Bryant, who played the position in college and in the minors, was given the opportunity as his replacement.

"I like to be a baseball player and, I guess, this is another one of those situations where I get to show that," Bryant told John Jackson of ESPN."

The versatile Bryant, whose already played third and the corner outfield spots this season, says transitioning over to first wasn't going to be much of a problem.

"I think I have good instincts on the field, so I'm going to go with those," he explained. "Hopefully, my glove's broken in. That's all I'm worried about.

"Really, playing infield and throwing the ball across the diamond a lot, I kind of see how it works over there. The bunt defense and stuff like that. It should be all right."

Maddon, whose never shied away from getting the most out of every player in his lineup can envision Bryant starting at the position later in his career.

"I still like how large KB is at first base," the manager said. "He's big and he's a great target. Moving forward, it's kind of interesting to give him this opportunity to do it because this is something 10 years from now he’s probably going to be able to do very easily."