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Nationals manager considering batting Harper leadoff

Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports

Don't be shocked to potentially see Bryce Harper slotted into the leadoff spot at times this season.

Washington Nationals rookie skipper Dave Martinez already experimented with Harper hitting first this spring and is open to doing it during the regular season as well - as long as the five-time All-Star and impending free agent is on board.

"Maybe," Martinez said, according to Eddie Matz of ESPN. "We'll talk about it, play with it. Before I do it, I'll definitely have a conversation with him."

Harper hit first during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the New York Mets, going 1-for-2 before being replaced. Martinez approached him prior with the idea, and Harper was fully on board.

"I said, 'How would you like leading off?' He looked at me and he goes, 'Yeah, I wanna do it," Martinez said.

Harper has predominately hit third throughout his career, though he did start 16 games in the leadoff spot in 2013 where he's enjoyed much success.

Career Batting Order Positions (1-5)

Order GP HR AVG/OBP/SLG
1 17 4 .313/.413/.594
2 152 23 .254/.328/.439
3 366 81 .293/.407/.544
4 121 27 .303/.422/.583
5 13 2 .302/.373/.415

The Nationals' lineup is loaded with talent and Martinez has no shortage of weapons at his disposal. The traditional lineup would likely have one of either Adam Eaton or Trea Turner hitting first, with Harper settling in behind them. Martinez, however, is curious to see how Harper would do with potential extra at-bats and also likes the idea of having a 30-plus homer guy leading off the game.

"What if he got up there five times in one game," said Martinez. "You look at all those things. When you feel like you're going to have a low-scoring game, why not have one of your better hitters have a chance? All of a sudden you're in the ninth inning, and you have one of your best hitters on deck that doesn't get up. I always think about that."

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