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Thome plays four innings at first

CLEARWATER, Fla. — For the last four years, Jim Thome did not carry a glove with him. The benefit of the designated hitter in the American League allowed Thome to mash home runs without the need to man first base. But at age 41, he has returned to the National League for one final tour.

Jim Thome saw his first game action of the spring at first base today. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)
Jim Thome saw his first game action of the spring at first base today. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)Read more

CLEARWATER, Fla. — For the last four years, Jim Thome did not carry a glove with him. The benefit of the designated hitter in the American League allowed Thome to mash home runs without the need to man first base. But at age 41, he has returned to the National League for one final tour.

It had been 1,734 days since Thome played the field in a game. He waited that long, plus four innings of a Phillies intrasquad minor-league game Monday at the Carpenter Complex, for the first ground ball hit his way. Albert Cartwight tapped a Lisalberto Bonilla change-up toward Thome. The ball spun past him and into right field. Thome, hunched on one knee, looked backward.

"It'll find ya," Thome said. "The ball always finds you when you haven't been out there in a while."

This is merely the beginning of an experiment to test Thome's ability at first base. His aging knees and back prompted a permanent move off the field five years ago. Charlie Manuel has said he wants Thome to bat about 200 times in 2012. For that to happen, he must play first base occasionally.

In four innings Monday, Thome made five putouts. Only two balls were hit his way and he fielded the last one with ease.

"It felt good to be out there," Thome said. "It was just a lot of fun. It makes you really appreciate guys that win Gold Gloves and go out there. Defense is something I've always had to work real hard at. Hopefully we'll continue to do that and get better as we go."

It was an odd setting for the future Hall of Famer to take his first steps. Trevor May, the organization's top prospect, pitched. The shortstop was 19-year-old Tyler Greene, a 2011 draft pick old enough to be Thome's son.

The most important test isn't so much Thome's fielding, but his ability to sustain the grind of a full game at first. The crouching can be difficult on his back.

"As I got going on, I could feel it a little bit, but nothing major," Thome said. "The big thing is how I feel [Tuesday]. That's always going to be the biggest test. How do you feel after playing? And this is great. It was great to be out there. I look forward to each step as we go."

Thome said he feels like he could play at first again in three or four days without any issues. The current plan isn't clear, but the Phillies will likely ease him into increased action at minor-league camp for the time being. Ideally, before the spring is over, he plays first in a Grapefruit League game.

For now, he'll take his licks with the kids.

"It was really fun to be out there," Thome said. "I was excited."

Contreras throws. Jose Contreras was on the same field as Thome for his first game action since elbow surgery last September. The results were encouraging.

Contreras threw 21 pitches (14 strikes) and faced five batters. He even induced a double-play ball off Thome's bat.

"I'm ready," Contreras said.

He struck out one and hit another batter but said his splitter and slider felt right. His fastball command was "so-so," but Contreras is satisfied.

"I opened my shoulder a little bit," he said. "I feel good. I'm happy."

Contact Matt Gelb at mgelb@phillynews.com or follow on Twitter @magelb.