Blake DeWitt gets the first look at second base for the Dodgers, and manager Joe Torre said infield coach Larry Bowa has been impressed with DeWitt’s improved footwork around the bag.

DeWitt spent several sessions over the winter working with Matt Martin, the Dodgers’ Minor League infield instructor.

DeWitt is a natural third baseman trying to make the transition to second base fulltime and replace All-Star Orlando Hudson. If not Blake, the Dodgers have Ronnie Belliard and Jamey Carroll, or could create a platoon among the trio. Torre said DeWitt is getting the initial action at second base because the staff wants to see how much he has improved and are already familiar with the second-base play of Belliard and Carroll. — Ken Gurnick