Dodgers: Projected Opening Day Starting Lineup

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Mar 7, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Logan Forsythe (11) waits on deck against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Leadoff – Logan Forsythe, Second Base

Forsythe has been brought in as Chase Utley’s replacement. Utley played second base and hit leadoff for most of the season last year, but now is returning to the team in a limited role.

Forsythe is coming off of his best two seasons of his career hitting .273 with 37 Home Runs and 120 RBI over the that span. He had a solid OBP last season with .333 and a league average .336 wOBA.

What makes Forsythe an ideal leadoff hitter is his ability to put the ball in play all over the field. Last season he had a 39.1 % Pull Rate, 32.9% Center Rate and 28% Opposite Rate. Forsythe had a 79.4% contact rate and included a 22.8% line drive rate.

We can expect Forsythe to put the ball in play and make the defense have to work regularly. These numbers are fairly similar to Utley’s of last season. This biggest difference is his power. The Dodgers are hoping his power is able to continue to progress as he hit 20 Home Runs last season.

Projected Stat Line:

.260/17 HR/60 RBI/60 Runs Scored

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