Gordon returns to lineup from drug suspension
MIAMI — It would be difficult for a team in the week leading up to baseball’s nonwaiver trade deadline to make a more notable addition than a reigning batting and stolenbase champion.
The Marlins will do that, without having to make a trade, when Dee Gordon returns today from an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-substances.
Indicating that Gordon won’t necessarily be playing every day, manager Don Mattingly left no doubt that hewill be back in the leadoff spot for the first of four games against the Cardinals at Marlins Park.
“It will be be nice to get Dee back and get that guy that you know you have that continuity in your lineup. I kind of like that,” Mattingly said.
The Marlins will certainly welcome the speed element and base-stealing ability that Gordon will restore to the lineup. They rank 12th in the National League with 33 steals, six of them by Gordon before his suspension; he led the league with 58 last season.
Curiously, the variety of players who have occupied the leadoff spot in Gordon’s absence have done a better job of reaching base, combining for a .389 on-base percentage that ranks second in the NL to the seasonlong mark of .392 by Cardinals leadoff hitters.
That cast of stand-ins, including J.T. Realmuto, Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Dietrich, Adeiny Hechavarria and Miguel Rojas, has a composite .317 batting average in the No. 1 spot in the order.
Gordon was batting .266 witha .289 on-base-percentage in 21 games. Even last year, when he led the NL with a .333 average, his OBP was only .359, due to his rarely drawing walks.
“He could be even more of a lightning rod for us,” Mattingly said of Gordon. “Our issue isn’t getting on base, it’s scoring runs.”
Mattingly said his choice of leadoff hitters has depended on various elements of the lineup on a given day.
Onway out?
The Marlins didn’t announce the corresponding roster move that will be necessary to accommodate Gordon’s return. Another move will be necessary when Bour returns, expected on the upcoming road trip.
Players most likely to be affected are reserve outfielder Cole Gillespie, who came up when Gordon was suspended, and utility player Don Kelly, who had three hits Wednesday, including two triples. Injury update
Reports were positive on several players, including Bour, who felt better running Wednesday and could begin a rehabilitation assignment as soon as Friday.
Closer A.J. Ramos, who jammed a finger fielding a bunt Monday, is aday or two from being ready. Tom Koehler, who left after 73 pitches Tuesday with pectoral tightness, is expected to make his next start.