SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Ian Desmond, left fielder, will go on public display for the first time on Friday in the Texas Rangers' exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister had said Desmond was likely to make his spring-training debut at designated hitter. Desmond, a shortstop for seven seasons with Washington, preferred to play left in games as soon as possible.

"There's only one way to be comfortable, by fire,'' Desmond said on Thursday. "You have to go out there.

"This is a new team. Even if I was playing short, I'd be anxious and have the jitters. The quicker I get out there, the quicker I'm going to get over it. It's just the unknown."

In major league history, only 18 players have started 100 career games at shortstop and in center. No player has had 100 starts at shortstop and 100 starts in left in consecutive seasons. Desmond started 155 games at shortstop with Washington last season, and the Rangers expect him to be their everyday left fielder this season.

Desmond and center fielder Delino DeShields, also a former middle infielder, are working together during drills. Desmond has sought the advice of former teammates Rick Ankiel and Denard Span and Torii Hunter, a guru to many players.

Ankiel's advice resonated with Desmond. Ankiel, who went from pitcher to outfielder, cautioned Desmond that there will be challenges and not to beat himself up when he hits a rough path.

"There's no easy position on the field,'' Desmond said. "Every position has its challenges. ... I understand that I'm way behind. I'm trying to ask as many question as I can. I have no shame of reaching out to somebody and saying I have no idea what I'm doing.''