ATLANTA -- Even though New York Mets manager Terry Collins may want to change his leadoff hitter, he is handcuffed.
Despite Curtis Granderson's struggles, Collins noted there really is not a credible alternative to take over in the No. 1 slot.
Collins said Juan Lagares' .305 on-base percentage is not conducive to the role. The manager added that Ruben Tejada (.349 OBP) may be the best choice other than Granderson. However Tejada is poised to recede to a backup role with Daniel Murphy expected to return from the disabled list as soon as Tuesday.
Mets leadoff batters have a combined .223 average and .316 on-base percentage this season. Those statistics rank 28th and 19th in the majors.
Overall this season, Granderson is hitting .235 with a .331 OBP.
"It's got to be a guy that gets on base," Collins said. "As much as we like Juan, the way he's swinging the bat, he's not a get-on-base guy. The one guy who gets on base is Ruben. So as you're looking at options down the road, he's the one guy who you could possibly put there."
