Jack of all 'positions' Don Kelly could be Marlins' utility man

JUPITER, Fla. -- Comedian Will Ferrell attracted headlines this week by playing every position on the diamond in one day -- albeit with help from 10 organizations.

Don Kelly, a non-roster invitee with the Miami Marlins this spring, is the only active major leaguer to have achieved that feat and the 49th all time. 

"I can't remember just adding them all," Kelly said. "I know when I went to the outfield there was no learning curve. I just showed up one day and I was playing center field."

That versatility could land him the ballclub's utility role over a guy already on the 40-man roster, especially with his proven track record.

Kelly, a seven-year veteran of the big leagues, began his professional career as a shortstop when the Detroit Tigers selected him in the eighth round of the 2001 draft. Two years later, he bounced around various positions.

Injuries and other prospects blocked his path to The Show. When Detroit designated him for assignment, his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates signed him to a minor-league deal for the 2007 season. There, Kelly played at second and short as well as both corner outfield spots over 25 major-league games. 

After once again being designated for assignment, Kelly wound up back with the Tigers. Never could he have imagined how his career would evolve, especially in the American League where double switches rarely -- it at all -- happen because of the designated hitter. 

Still, both skippers he had in Motown came from National League backgrounds. Their managing styles somewhat reflected that history.

"I don't know," Kelly said. "I just fit in. (Jim) Leyland was the manager first and then (Brad) Ausmus. They used me in that role just bouncing me around, playing different positions. I was with Detroit for the past six years. It's cool to be over here in the NL and bounce around even more."

From 2009-14, Kelly hit .234 with 28 doubles, seven triples, 23 home runs and 95 RBI in 545 games. He was designated for assignment a couple times and had to make the team as a non-roster invitee out of spring training, much like his situation in 2015.

Though Kelly had an opportunity to sign with NL clubs in the past -- three teams expressed interest -- he always decided to return to Detroit. The ability to showcase his versatility in the NL, however, always intrigued him. When the Tigers reassigned him to the minor leagues this winter, he rejected the offer and became a free agent. He signed a minor-league deal in January with the Marlins.

On a team with All-Stars Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander, Kelly developed a cult following. He believes it's for his blue-collar play that fans respected. 

"I got to see him a lot when I was with the Twins and he was with the Tigers there," manager Mike Redmond said. "He was probably a perfect National League player that played in the American League for a long time. A guy who can do so many different things, gives you value and different positions as far as being able to double switch for us. Play everywhere -- infield, outfield, even catch. Pitch. He can do it all. We talk about all the time having that versatility, guys who can do multiple things. It's nice to have guys like that, plus, he's a great guy, too, great teammate. I know it was tough for Detroit to let him go and for him to sign with us. We're obviously happy to have him."

Kelly, 35, says center field is now his favorite. He had never played the position before being put there in a game for the first time, but it came naturally to him. While he has to take ground balls every day as an infielder, he alternates fly balls from different spots in the outfield.

Facing a blowout loss and a depleted bullpen, Leyland turned to Kelly for the final out on June 29, 2011, against the New York Mets. He retired Scott Hairston on a flyout to center.

Catching is easily the toughest, as evidenced by how sore he would be the following day. It also turned out to be the last of the positions for him to play.

On July 2, 2011, Mother Nature didn't cooperate on a Saturday night. Rain postponed first pitch and delayed the game once it started. After Victor Martinez got hurt, Leyland didn't want to put Alex Avila in with a Sunday matinee, so Kelly caught six innings.

"I did it during spring training," Kelly recalled. "That year I caught bullpens, sides and stuff. I would warm up the pitcher between innings. I was sore. It was fun."

This spring, Kelly brought five gloves with him just in case: ones for first, third, middle infield, outfield and catcher.

Redmond has already used Kelly at first (four times), second (twice), short (once), left (once) and right (once). Entering Saturday, he is batting .286 (4 for 14) with a stolen base, two RBI, four walks and five strikeouts.

"Just come in and do what I can do, bounce around, be versatile, play everywhere and do whatever I can to help the team," Kelly said.

You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.