The Dodgers have had extended discussions about utility infielder Blake DeWitt in recent days, debating whether their promising youngster is better served starting the season in Triple-A and playing regularly, or staying up with the major-league club as a back-up infielder.

If he were to stay with the Dodgers, he’d likely play a lot of shortstop when Rafael Fucal is given days off. DeWitt said he’s very comfortable playing the position, having grown up as a shortstop, but Torre indicated the club thought Juan Castro and Chin-lung Hu were better defensively. That doesn’t mean DeWitt is out of the running though.

“I think he can hold his own there,” Torre said.

But when Torre projects what the 23-year old DeWitt can become if he continues to develop, he sees him like Boston third baseman Mike Lowell.

“The kid has such a tremendous make-up,” Torre said. “He’s still in the development stage. And it’s not easy to ask a young kid to come in and swing off the bench.”