Rangers' Napoli to start in left field for 1st time in career

Mike Napoli will be occupying uncharted territory when he takes the field defensively for the Texas Rangers on Sunday.

The 33-year-old will trade in his first baseman's glove for that of an outfielder, when he makes his debut in left field in the Rangers' series finale with the Oakland Athletics.

Napoli told reporters that he's never played the outfield in his 16-year pro career - at any level - and believes the last time was back in high school.

Acquired from the Boston Red Sox last month, Napoli is hitting .279/.354/.512 with three home runs through 20 games with Texas.

Losers of three of their last four games, the Rangers enter Sunday's play holding a one-game lead over the Minnesota Twins for the second American League wild-card spot.