For versatile Difo, helping Nats is his top priority

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - As far as Wilmer Difo is concerned, the more work, the better.

If microfracture surgery delays the start to Daniel Murphy's season, Difo is happy to play second base for the Nationals as long as he's needed. If shortstop Trea Turner or third baseman Anthony Rendon need a day off, Difo's ready to fill in. He'll grab a bat and pinch-hit or use his legs to make a difference as a pinch-runner.

"I'm a player that likes to work hard, and the more work I get, the better I feel," Difo said through interpreter Octavio Martinez. "I feel like if I stay consistent with the work ethic I have, the results will be on the field and show - and they have been showing so far. I feel like if I get distracted and lose track of my work ethic and not work as much, you can also see the results on the field, which won't be what I want. So as long as I stay positive and do what I'm supposed to do - what I've been doing my whole career and working hard - the results will show."

The Nationals have long been intrigued by the blend of offense and speed possessed by Difo, who was signed in 2011 as an undrafted free agent out of his native Dominican Republic. Last season was a breakout for the 25-year-old, who set career highs in runs (47), hits (90), doubles (10), triples (four), homers (five), RBIs (21), walks (24) and stolen bases (10).

When Turner went down with a broken wrist, Difo got regular reps at shortstop. In 74 games as a starter last year, Difo slashed .286/.331/.401, erasing some of the doubts that come with youth and inexperience.

It's hard for young players used to playing regularly to adjust to life on the bench, where skills erode and timing gets ruined. How did Difo adjust to his role so quickly?

"I think the biggest key is just being prepared mentally and having a good routine, staying ready both defensively and offensively," he said. "Obviously, offensively it's tough because if you're not playing every day, sometimes your timing's not there and you feel a little lost."

Like most players, Difo was able to establish a routine and rhythm when he was regularly in the lineup.

"I feel like I'm one of those players who does better playing every day," he said. "I just get a better feel for the game, so the key thing with me is trying to keep my routine down, keep working on the offensive side and the defensive side. Prepare properly and stay mentally ready for the game."

So far this spring, he's played second base, shortstop and third base, as new manager Davey Martinez prepares him for one of two eventualities: filling in for Murphy if his recovery slows or being the Nats' utility infielder off the bench if everyone's healthy.

"He's got a lot of energy," Martinez said of Difo. "He's a very good player. He can play practically anywhere on the field, really - except catch. I asked him if he could catch, he said no. But he's really good."

Difo is a ball of energy on the field, whether he's livening up infield drills with animated chatter or engaging teammates around the batting cage. The wide grin is as much a part of his equipment as the bat or gloves he carries with him.

"I have a lot of fun on the baseball field," he said. "I don't consider it a job, I consider it a game. I'm having fun out here and I always try to stay positive with that."

Martinez wants to get Difo some time in the outfield this spring, furthering the plan started last year when then-manager Dusty Baker wondered if he could turn Difo into a super utility player capable of manning different positions a few games a week to give regulars a breather.

One mention of the possibility of playing the outfield and Difo immediately embraced the idea.

"That's the goal of anybody here in this room: to make sure you see your name in the lineup," he said. "Wherever it's at, I'm open to any way I can help the team. The biggest thing is seeing that lineup and being prepared for it. I feel comfortable out in the outfield, so that's not a problem for me. Wherever they want to put me, feel I'm useful and can help the team out, as long my name's on there, I could care less."