TORONTO — Howie Kendrick is playing his fifth position this week, penciled into the Dodgers’ starting lineup at first base while Adrian Gonzalez takes a turn at DH against the Blue Jays. It’s the first time Kendrick has started at first base since 2012.

Yesterday, manager Dave Roberts said he wasn’t worried that shifting positions has contributed to Kendrick’s struggles at the plate (.194/.237/.208). Roberts attributed that more to a spring training shortened by a groin injury.

Today, Roberts explained why Kendrick is starting ahead of Justin Turner and Chase Utley, both of whom played first base for the Dodgers last season: