Lofton Showing Some of Old Speed

Kenny Lofton looks young, acts young and plays young. The only indication that he is a 16-year veteran who turned 39 a couple of weeks ago is his lofty standing on several all-time lists.

Lofton has 14 stolen bases in 15 attempts, placing him 19th all-time with 581. No active player is close to his total -- Barry Bonds (506) is the only player within 118 of Lofton, and Bonds isn’t doing much running these days.

At his current pace, it would take Lofton until August to become the 17th player to reach 600 steals. Along the way he would pass Dodgers great Maury Wills, who had 586.

Lofton’s success rate is better now than when he was in his 20s and averaged 65 stolen bases over a five-year period.

“I used to run even when a pitcher used a slide step,” he said. “It didn’t matter. I’d go anyway. Now I pick my spots.”

Lofton is second among active players in triples with 104, including six this season. He trails Steve Finley, who has 120, including eight this season.

But Lofton has caught Finley in another key category -- runs scored. Lofton’s run in the first inning Saturday night was No. 1,396, tying him with Finley for fifth among active players behind Bonds, Craig Biggio, Gary Sheffield and Ken Griffey Jr.

The fun-loving Lofton also might be the all-time leader in getting teammates to laugh. Oh, and he’s batting .318.

“Wherever he goes, teams have a tendency to win,” Manager Grady Little said. “He’s a great teammate, and he keeps a smile on people’s faces.”

*

Outfielder Jason Repko has suffered a setback in his recovery from a severe high ankle sprain, and the Dodgers don’t expect him to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment for another month.

“He aggravated the ankle, and some swelling reoccurred,” Little said.

Repko was batting .304 with three homers in 25 games when he injured his right ankle May 11 trying to climb the outfield wall.

The standout play of rookie outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp has lessened the effect of losing Repko and veteran Ricky Ledee to injury. Ledee, who has been on the disabled list, is about two weeks from beginning a rehabilitation assignment.

*

Little said there is a “strong likelihood” closer Eric Gagne will be put on the DL Monday or Tuesday. . . . The Dodgers’ double-A affiliate in Jacksonville has won 19 of 20 and has clinched the Southern League first-half title. Reliever Casey Hoorelbeke has given up one earned run in 36 2/3 innings, and closer Mark Alexander has given up three earned runs in 29 innings while saving 14 games.