SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers traded for Mike Napoli because they needed another right-handed bat.

To get Napoli in the lineup on a fairly regular basis, he’ll probably have to be a capable catcher. That’s a challenge for a guy who also plays first base and is getting to know a new pitching staff.

“It’s pretty easy for me to try to learn a guy, the questions to ask and be in the right spots,” Napoli said. “It’s not that tough. As far as going to play other positions, you’d like to play one and be comfortable there, but if I can play, I’ll do anything.”

Napoli at least didn’t have to start from scratch. He’s familiar with the returning Rangers pitchers after getting in the batter’s box against them many times while playing for the Angels.

“You kind of know what they have, but it’s different catching a guy versus hitting against them,” Napoli said. “But I’m going out there right now and trying to learn them as best as I can.”

Napoli, who will also DH, has worked more at catcher than first base during the spring because it’s a more difficult defensive position. The coaching staff wanted to make sure he got some time behind the plate with every pitcher on the staff.

It’s a crowded situation at catcher. Yorvit Torrealba and Matt Treanor are more prototypical, pitcher-friendly catchers than Napoli, but manager Ron Washington intends for Napoli to be part of the rotation behind the plate.

“He will catch some games,” Washington said. “I don’t know how much. He’ll certainly be in the rotation, but I really don’t know how much.”

That likely depends on how much Napoli’s bat justifies a defensive drop-off. Napoli has worked this spring to try to make sure the defensive drop-off isn’t too drastic.