Nationals' Harper wants to play first base

Other than a couple games at designated hitter, every time Bryce Harper has taken the field in his seven-year career has been to play in the outfield. That might soon change.

The Washington Nationals slugger was apparently seen fielding grounders at first while taking instructions from first-base coach Tim Bogar Monday, and has told manager Dave Martinez he wants a shot at the position, according to MLB.com's Jamal Collier.

Martinez was quick to quell any rumblings of a position switch, saying he wouldn't be starting the 25-year-old in the infield, though he did say Harper didn't look half bad. Even if Harper doesn't get his shot, the offer is appreciated.

"Here's a guy that, love him to death, because he'll do whatever it takes for this team to win," Martinez said. "That's part of who Bryce is."

With Matt Adams and Ryan Zimmerman on the disabled list, Daniel Murphy and Mark Reynolds have been getting reps at first. Adams could return Wednesday though, so Harper's window to play in the infield could close pretty quickly.

But never say never.