Davey Lopes leaves Dodgers following death in his family

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The teacher will have to watch his students from afar Saturday, if with a heavy heart.

The Dodgers said Davey Lopes, given much of the credit for the way the team aggressively ran the bases in their first two games, will not be with the club this afternoon because of a death in his family.

Dave Hansen will coach first base while Lopes is out.

The Dodgers won their first two games of the season against the Giants, largely because of a more aggressive approach on the bases. Lopes is also their base running coach.

The Dodgers are at home Sunday against the Giants, but are off Monday. They have games Tuesday and Wednesday in Colorado, with another day off Thursday. They then play three games at San Diego, where Lopes lives.

-- Steve Dilbeck