Spring training is only half way through. If it's shutting down, it'll probably take a minimum of 3 weeks to a month to begin playing once they make that decision. Since things are likely to get worse over the next month or so, I can't see regular season games being played before June.
I think the bigger benefit is more flexibility in dealing with injuries and late-game substitutions. He can play the majority of the games at 2B, but it would sure be nice to be able to slide someone competent into a few other positions on an emergency basis.
We could just put in a rule that you can ask a commish to move them to the minors. I mean, it should only be an issue at the start of the season rather than a continuous headache.
Even if he is, he probably doesn't see the floor much. Unless you're a player like Harrell or Lou Williams, if you aren't in the starting five, you aren't seeing many minutes in the playoffs.
The defense might not be as bad as you think. Gurriel and Grichuk were roughly average last year at their expected positions. Teoscar was a bit below average if you include CF, average if you don't. I wouldn't label it as terrible. It's just not exciting.