After weeks of trade speculation involving Minnesota Twins All-Star Brian Dozier, the Los Angeles Dodgers pivoted and acquired second baseman Logan Forsythe from the Tampa Bay Rays. Although Dozier would have added a right-handed bat with some power to the Dodgers’ lineup, Forsythe fills another need.
Last season the Dodgers relied on Chase Utley as their primary leadoff hitter. He succeed early before the level of production curtailed as the long season took its toll on the 14-year veteran. In Forsythe, the Dodgers added a versatile infielder and needed leadoff man.
Though, it’s a role the 30-year-old did not assume full time until 2016. “That was a little uncomfortable to start, but I had many at-bats in Spring Training to try and get used to it,” Forsythe explained during FanFest at Dodger Stadium.
“The only thing that really changed was my on-deck preparation. It was a little longer before I started hitting lead off, so I just had to shorten it up. I should be just fine.”
Forsythe added he’s maintained the same approach despite being placed atop the batting order — with a focus on utilizing right-center field.
Appearing in 127 games last season, with 125 of those as starts and batting lead off, Forsythe hit .265/.335/.436 with 24 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs and 52 RBI in 565 plate appearances. He drew 46 walks and stole six bases (caught stealing six times).
Forsythe is a career .260/.328/.433, with 30 doubles, 22 home runs and 57 RBI in 665 plate appearances when hitting first in the batting order.
