Dodgers Vs. Padres: Don Mattingly Might Start Bobby Abreu Leadoff Against San Diego

Ahead of their series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, Dodger manager Don Mattingly as said that Bobby Abreu could lead off for the Dodgers with Dee Gordon recovering from thumb surgery. In the series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers started Tony Gwynn Jr. and Elian Herrera in the leadoff position to try and replace Gordon's speed. However, only Herrera has the on base percentage necessary to bat leadoff.

Herrera's on base percentage of .326 in 191 plate appearances makes him a decent candidate to bat leadoff. He walks at almost twice the rate Dee Gordon did before his injury. However, Herrera isn't going to replace Gordon's speed, which has Gordon leading the major league's in stolen bases with 30.

Since Herrera isn't going to compare to Gordon on the base paths, it's worth experimenting with someone who gets on base more frequently. Bobby Abreu has an OBP of .371 this year and does have two stolen bases despite his advanced age.

The concern with Abreu is that he's going to regress after hitting quite well for the Dodgers since coming over from the Angels. His batting average with balls in play is above his career average, and across the board his numbers are greater than they were with the Angels last year.